Hemangiosarcoma In Golden Retrievers - 4 Types Of Cancer That Golden Retrievers Can Develop

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for humans today. Not only is it a concern for people, but for their pets as well. Hemangiosarcoma is very common in certain breeds of dogs, especially golden retrievers. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer found when an aggressive, malignant tumor of blood vessels forms. It grows rapidly and is highly invasive. Unfortunately, dogs that suffer from Hemangiosarcoma don't usually show signs until the tumor has grown very large, making it hard to treat. Eventually the tumor ruptures and causes extensive bleeding. People who own dogs often find out they have Hemangiosarcoma only after their pet collapses.

Four Different Types of Hemangiosarcoma

There are four different types of Hemangiosarcoma that dogs, especially Golden Retrievers, can develop. Dermal Hemangiosarcoma is the skin form of the cancer. The cancer appears as a red or black growth on areas of the dog that have the least hair, such as the stomach. It is the least severe and can be easily removed through surgery. It also has the greatest chance of being cured completely, meaning that the chances of the cancer resurfacing are low.

1. Subcutaneous Hemangiosacroma

Subcutaneous Hemangiosacroma is a type of cancer that forms underneath the skin. The top layer of skin usually looks completely normal but a dark red blood growth lies underneath. Subcutaneous Hemangiosarcoma is very dangerous because up to 60% of this type of cancer spreads internally.

2. Visceral Hermangiosarcoma - The Type That Affects A Dog's Spleen

Visceral Hermangiosarcoma affects a dog's spleen. Although the spleen isn't a necessity for life, it still plays an important role in lymph and blood functions. They are particularly dangerous because whether they are benign or malignant, both tend to rip open and bleed excessively. You may choose to have your dog receive a splenectomy, a procedure where the spleen is removed. Yet, because this type of cancer grows rapidly, there are no guarantees that your dog will be cancer-free.

3. Visceral Hermangiosarcoma - The Type That Affects A Dog's Heart

Visceral Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the heart. Just like Hemangiosarcoma in the spleen, cancer in the heart can be life threatening. A dog's heart is located inside of a sac called the pericardium. With this type of cancer, the pericardium fills up with blood until the point that there is no more room, thus putting immense pressure on the heart. Because it is completely filled, there is no room to fill with the blood that it needs to pump in order to maintain life.

4. Dermal Hemangiosarcoma

The last type of Hemangiosarcoma your dog may get is Dermal Hemangiosarcoma. It is caused by too much sun exposure, so it can be prevented. The causes of the other types however, are undetermined. The human types of Hemangiosarcoma are sometimes caused by exposure to certain chemicals, like vinyl chloride, but it is uncertain whether this has an affect on dogs. Some breeds are more apt to Hemangiosarcoma, so there is most likely a genetic link between the breed and cancer. Golden Retrievers are one of the most common breeds that suffer from this kind of cancer, along with German Sheppards. Because Hemangiosarcoma is rare in humans, there has not been much research done, so the causes are not clear.

Unfortunately, Hemangiosarcoma is not preventable, unless it is the dermal type. There are certain treatments that may cure your dog, so make sure your dog goes to the vet annually to make sure they have optimum health.