Cardiac Tumors in Dogs Understanding Hemangiosarcoma and Risks

"Cardiac Tumor in Dogs" -- when you hear the name, many people might not be too familiar with this disease. Today, we're going to help everyone get to know cardiac tumors in dogs a little better.

Nowadays, tumors can form anywhere in the body, and the heart is no exception. "Cardiac tumor" is caused by the formation of a type of tumor called hemangiosarcoma, which usually forms directly within or around the heart tissue. In some cases, it may result from cancer spreading from other organs. Cardiac tumors are a severe type of cancer most commonly found in the right atrium, and they can also be found in the spleen.

Cardiac tumors are divided into 2 types: tumors of the heart itself, and tumors that have spread from other organs -- pathology reports show that the spread-from-elsewhere type is actually more common. This tumor disrupts normal heart function, compressing the heart so it can't pump blood to the body properly. It can also cause fluid or blood to build up in the pericardium (the sac around the heart), squeezing the heart and causing abnormal heart rhythms. This is what leads to fainting, weakness, and labored breathing -- and in some cases, it can even be fatal.

Common Symptoms

• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Loss of balance

Causes of Cardiac Tumors

• Abnormal cell division
• Immune system dysfunction that fails to detect and fight tumor growth
• Exposure to certain chemicals, or even exposure to toxic mushrooms, can also cause tumors

Treatment

For cardiac tumors, treatment typically involves surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the veterinarian's assessment, as well as the severity of the disease, the type of tumor, and the overall health of the animal. So if you suspect your beloved pet may be at risk of developing a cardiac tumor, feel free to consult with a veterinarian at our cardiology clinic at Thonglor Pet Hospital.