HEMANGIOSARCOMA

A CANCER THAT STRIKES WITHOUT WARNING

WHAT IS HEMANGIOSARCOMA?

Hemangiosarcoma is one of the deadliest forms of canine cancer. Hemangiosarcomas are tumors that are thought to arise from the bone marrow and seed areas with a rich blood supply. Because tumors tend to grow in these blood-rich areas such as the spleen and heart, they can suddenly rupture, causing massive blood loss, and forcing owners and veterinarians to make difficult decisions within minutes of diagnosis.

WHO DOES HEMANGIOSARCOMA MOST COMMONLY AFFECT?

Middle-aged to older dogs; German shepherds, golden retrievers, Portuguese water dogs and Labrador retrievers appear to be at higher risk although any dog can develop hemangiosarcoma. Even when a tumor is quickly detected and removed, the outlook for dogs with hemangiosarcoma is grim.
Survival times are static. We need new treatments. 1. The average survival time with surgery & chemotherapy is 5 to 7 months. 2. 90% of dogs die within one year post-diagnosis, despite surgery & chemotherapy. 3. The average survival time with surgery alone is 1 to 3 months.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS?

Unfortunately, no clinical signs (symptoms) are classic for hemangiosarcoma other than sudden, profound, internal bleeding. Other clinical signs reported by owners include: intermittent lethargy or fatigue, anorexia, panting, sudden collapse, sudden death.

WHAT DIAGNOSTICS ARE PERFORMED?

According to NC State University, hemangiosarcoma is most often diagnosed via biopsy, regardless of location within the body. Other tools that are useful in providing a definitive diagnosis and also assessing extent of disease include X-Rays, CT scans and surgery. Often, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine if there is a mass in the heart.
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OUR PROGRESS SO FAR

Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $3 million in 20+ years of research to improve the quality and duration of life for dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Our funded research has focused on:

DISEASE BASICS

Understanding the basic biology of hemangiosarcoma may open the door to new diagnostics, treatments and prevention.

CHEMOTHERAPY RESISTANCE

Understanding why hemangiosarcoma becomes drug resistant could improve treatment success as well as identify new chemotherapeutic agents.

GENETIC LINKS

Studying breeds commonly affected by hemangiosarcoma could lead to new diagnostic testing and clues to the role genetics plays in the development of this disease.
Together, We Can Change the World
At Morris Animal Foundation, we want to change the odds for dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. But we need your help!

Our new Hemangiosarcoma Initiative dedicates critically needed funding, people and resources toward new and innovative approaches to diagnose, treat, and possibly cure, this devastating cancer.
5 million data points, 20 years of research, best & bright minds, $7.5 million+ invested
You can make a difference with your support of this life-changing project.
DONATE NOW

Resources For Grieving Pet Parents

Have you lost a loved one to cancer? Losing a beloved pet is difficult, but knowing there are resources available, and realizing you’re not alone when it comes to pet loss and grief, can make the process just a little easier. Find some resources below to help guide you on this journey.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE: HEMANGIOSARCOMA STORIES

Chase

Beating the Cancer Odds

Chase Manhattan beat the odds and survived a hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Read about her amazing story of survival.

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Davy

In Heart of Darkness of the Canine Cancer World, Research is a Shining Ray of Hope

Carol Everett tells the story of her dog Davy, a therapy dog who's mission was to bring love to those in need, and his struggle with hemangiosarcoma.

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Mea

A Dog That Was Meant to Be

Learn how Emily Lucibello honors the memory of her dog Mea through our Loyal Friend program as well as participating in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

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goldens

Caring For Study Members is This Participant’s Mission

Study participant Gail Ingrish talks about her experience as Study participant and volunteer.

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FUNDED STUDIES

STUDYTOPIC
D23CA- 527Looking for Genetic Mutations Associated with Hemangiosarcoma in American Golden Retrievers
D22CA-609Discovering potential CAR-T cell targets in canine hemangiosarcoma
D21CA-614Role of canine hemangiosarcoma-associated extracellular vesicles in promoting tumor angiogenesis
D18CA-409Targeting α1--Adrenergic Signaling to Inhibit Hemangiosarcoma Tumorigenesis
D18CA-050Mechanism of Action of a Novel, Safe and Effective Ligand Targeted Therapy to Define the Repertoire of Tumor Targets
D18CA-017Targeting Alpha-AR Signaling to Inhibit Cholesterol Processing and Arrest Hemangiosarcoma Growth
D17CA-059Targeting -AR Signaling to Arrest Hemangiosarcoma Progression and Overcome Chemoresistance
D16CA-601Determination of Differential Protein Expression in Primary and Metastatic Hemangiosarcoma Tumors in Dogs - An Observational Pilot Study
D14CA-047Lysosomal drug sequestration by CSF-1R(high) tumor cells contributes to drug resistance in canine hemangiosarcoma
D13CA-400Slug and Interleukin-8 in Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cells in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
D13CA-062Role of CSF-1R in the maintenance of hemangiosarcoma cancer stem cells
D10CA-501Discovery and Characterization of Heritable and Somatic Cancer Mutations in Golden Retrievers
D08CA-050Tyrosine Kinases in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
D07CA-627Development of a Genomic Assay to Profile Archival Canine Hemangiosarcomas
D06CA-065Reciprocal Relationship of PTEN and p21 in Canine Cancer
D03CA-071Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
D03CA-050Identification of Peptides Which Target Viral Vectors to Canine Tumor Tissue
99PT-022Characterization of Von Willebrand Factor in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma: A Pilot Study
97CA-012Intravenous Gene Therapy for Pulmonary Metastatic Cancer
D24CA-510Identifying Targetable Markers for Novel Radiation Therapy
D24CA-516Working Toward More Effective Treatments for Hemangiosarcoma
D24CA-523Working Toward an Early Diagnostic Test for Hemangiosarcoma
D24CA-524Investigating a Genetic Mutation in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
D24CA-527Using Genomics to Reduce Incidence of Deadly Cancer in Dogs
D24CA-535Studying Hemangiosarcoma Subtypes and Treatment Response
D24CA-536Finding Novel Therapy Targets for Hemangiosarcoma to Advance Treatment
D24CA-044Identifying Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets for Splenic Hemangiosarcoma
D24CA-820Developing a Drug Delivery System for Hemangiosarcoma

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