Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Dr. Todd L. Prince, a board-certified small animal veterinarian, has been meeting the medical needs of dogs and cats for more than 30 years. Dr. Todd Prince focuses much of his work on diagnosing and treating animal cancers.

Hemangiosarcoma, or HSA, is a type of cancer found more commonly in dogs than in any other animal. It grows first in the endothelium, a layer of cells that lines certain organs and body cavities, and spreads into the blood vessels. It is most common in larger-breed dogs that are middle-age and older, male dogs being slightly more prone to the disease than females.

Some dogs develop dermal hemangiosarcoma, which originates on the skin as red or black growths on hairless areas. The disease is more common under the skin and is particularly prevalent on the liver, kidneys, or spleen.

Internal hemangiosarcomas often go undiagnosed until a dog presents with severe clinical symptoms. For example, the dog may develop a distended abdomen or a mass that is apparent to the touch. In other dogs, the first sign is internal bleeding, which causes periodic weakness and pale gums.

Hemangiosarcomas tend to have a poor prognosis. Surgery alone correlates with an average survival time of only three to six months. Chemotherapy can give a dog up to a year of life, although this may be longer if the mass is in the spleen alone and is discovered through routine abdominal ultrasound, before clinical symptoms develop.

Signs of Feline or Canine Adrenal Gland Cancer

A practicing veterinarian since 1984, Todd L. Prince, DVM, received his board certification in small animal care in 1993. Dr. Todd Prince draws on a particular knowledge of feline and canine cancers such as pheochromocytoma.

“Pheochromocytoma” is the clinical term for adrenal gland cancer. It is uncommon in both dogs and cats, although it can occur particularly in older animals. It affects the glands that are located at the front of the kidney, nestled among fatty tissue where they regulate hormones such as epinephrine, aldosterone, and cortisol.

Adrenal gland cancers usually make themselves known because the tumor causes increased production of a particular hormone. In most cases, this hormone is known as glucocorticoid, an excess of which results in Cushing’s syndrome.

A dog or cat with this condition will eat, drink, and urinate more than usual. The belly may become swollen and the animal’s hair or fur may begin to fall out. Any or all of these symptoms may be intermittent or may not be present at all.

Some older pets with adrenal gland cancer will have a more rare type known as pheochromocytoma, which produce an excess of catecholamines. Most often diagnosed in dogs, the symptoms include decreased appetite and weight loss, lethargy, a rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.

The condition is treatable with surgery, which must be performed by an experienced professional. Animals that successfully undergo this surgery usually need hormone supplements throughout their lives.

Grooming Services at the Elmhurst Animal Care Center

Todd L. Prince, DVM, a graduate of the University of Illinois, has maintained board certification in small animal practice for more than 25 years. Dr. Todd Prince practices at the Elmhurst Animal Care Center and the Naperville Animal Hospital, while also supporting philanthropic veterinary organizations, such as the Hinsdale Humane Society.

In addition to offering a wide range of preventative and diagnostic medical support, the Elmhurst Animal Care Center also provides pet owners with a number of animal grooming services. Though first-time pet owners may consider grooming a luxury or indulgence, longtime owners know that proper grooming is an important part of the overall health of their pet.

Grooming services at the Elmhurst Animal Care Center include baths, nail trimmings, anal gland expression, and medicated shampoos and conditioners. Baths are infused with a special cleansing agent that removes dirt and debris from fur without aggravating the animal’s skin, leaving pets with healthy, smooth coats. Baths can also be prepared for animals dealing with allergies and related dermatological conditions.

To learn more about grooming services or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Elmhurst Animal Care Center online at www.elmhurstanimalcarecenter.com.