Cardiac hemangiosarcoma in the dog: a review of 38 cases
Aronsohn, M.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 187(9): 922-926
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 4055516 Document Number: 264075
During the period of 1975 to 1984, a histopathologic diagnosis of primary cardiac hemangiosarcoma was made in 38 dogs at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital [Boston, Massachusetts, USA]. The diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory thoracotomy in 16 cases and at necropsy in 22 cases. At the time of exploratory thoracotomy, 7 dogs were euthanatized becaused of nonresectability of the primary tumor and/or gross metastatic disease. In 9 dogs, the tumor was resected by removing parts of the right atrium. Complications included atrial and ventricular arrhythmiasa, anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and pneumonia. Prolonged and multiple hospitalizations were a common feature of the postoperative period. Adjuvant therapy was not utilized in any case. The mean survival time was 4 months (2 days to 8 months).