Canine and feline haemangiosarcoma.

INTRODUCTION

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant neoplasm of dogs and cats that is suspected to originate from a pluripotent bone marrow progenitor with a complex and multifactorial pathogenesis.

APPROACH

Pertinent literature was identified, reviewed, and summarized for inclusion in the manuscript.

RESULTS/INTERPRETATION: Dogs are more frequently diagnosed with HSA than cats, and primary sites of this disease include dermal, subcutaneous/intramuscular, and visceral (most commonly the spleen). Dogs and cats with HSA generally have a poor prognosis owing to the rapid and widespread metastasis typically associated with this disease. However, some forms such as cutaneous HSA behave in a less aggressive fashion with improved outcomes. Surgical excision and anthracycline-based chemotherapy remain the mainstays of treatment, although novel treatment modalities are currently under investigation for potential roles in treatment of this disease.

CONCLUSION

This review aims to describe the clinical presentation and progression of the various forms of HSA in dogs and cats as well as to provide a systematic review of the veterinary literature with a focus on the various published treatment options and associated outcomes.