Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is commonly believed to be a malignant and aggressive type of cancer with a poor long-term prognosis. These beliefs stem from information that was published in older retrospective studies and other anecdotes. Accordingly, veterinary care providers often paint a dark picture and express a grim outlook when guiding owners of dogs that present with intraabdominal bleeding associated with a splenic mass.

Dogs with a bleeding mass of the spleen typically need emergent care. Owners of these dogs are usually prompted to make an urgent decision about whether or not to pursue emergency surgery and other supportive care for the pet. Sadly, many owners elect to euthanize their dog in these situations because of the dark picture painted by their veterinarian (and the price tag to pursue that care). There is some exciting and newer information, however, that suggests that this mindset is outdated and incorrect. Veterinary care providers who are unaware of these revelations may be misinforming pet owners regarding the problem and prognosis. We are learning that there is, indeed, more hope than previously believed.

In recent years there has been a revolutionary push to learn more about splenic mass rupture and canine hemangiosarcoma. Through prospective clinical trials and by utilizing molecular medicine, veterinary researchers and scientists are determining that benign pathologies are much more common than once believed. Additionally, dogs with malignancies may have better responses to treatment and outcomes than once believed.

Dr. Chand Khanna - a veterinary cancer expert – recently joined us on behalf of Ethos Discovery to discuss some of the exciting findings coming from an ongoing nationwide, prospective study of dogs with hemangiosarcoma. This new information, along with ongoing work to develop therapeutics, may soon result in curative outcomes for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Learn more about this work and the ongoing, nationwide clinical trial that is still accepting patient enrollment. The video is now available for viewing On Demand.

Running time: 37 mins (including Q&A)          

*Registration is free for VetVine Premium Members

Approved for 0.5 hour of CE credit by AAVSB RACE, NY State, and the NJVMA for veterinarians and veterinary technicians