The study sheds light on the outcomes of canine haemangiosarcoma in the first opinion practice setting.

The work identifies a short survival time for dogs with haemangiosarcoma.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have provided fresh insights into survival rates for dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer in companion animals.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reveals that outcomes vary more widely than previously understood, particularly based on the tumour location and the treatment pathway.

They also challenge previous assumptions about this cancer and could help vets have more informed discussions with owners about their pet’s treatment.

Study author Dr Sandra Guillen, lecturer in veterinary oncology at the RVC, said: “This study sheds light on the outcomes of canine haemangiosarcoma in the first opinion practice setting and challenges long-held assumptions regarding this cancer. 

“By revealing that some dogs, particularly those with cutaneous forms or who undergo surgery, can live longer, it encourages us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. It highlights the importance of open client dialogue, even in the face of a difficult diagnosis”.

In the study, researchers analysed the records of 788 dogs diagnosed in 2019 under general practice care. They found that the median survival time (MST) for dogs diagnosed with menagiosarcoma was just nine days, with just 12 per cent of dogs surviving for over a year.

But the analysis revealed that survival times varied significantly depending on tumour location, and dogs who survived surgical treatment or had skin forms of the cancer lived considerably longer.

Researchers also found that dogs with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis had an MST of 105 days, and 28 per cent survived a year from the date of diagnosis. This suggests that a proportion of dogs, especially those with early cancer stage, can benefit from surgery,

Importantly, the findings indicate early euthanasia may be altering perceptions of prognosis, highlighting the need for careful communication and support at diagnosis. 

Study lead Dr Collette Taylor, canine cancer epidemiologist at the RVC, said: “Our work here identifies a short survival time for dogs diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma in first opinion clinics in the UK. As most research for this cancer has focused on referral or specialist veterinary centre populations, these figures provide UK first opinion vets with the necessary data for contextualised care discussions when dog owners are faced with this much dreaded diagnosis.

“Exploring early euthanasia and its impact on survival times is an important next step for haemangiosarcoma research.”

Image (C) RVC.