Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly malignant and aggressive cancer that originates from the cells that line blood vessels, typically affecting the spleen, heart, or liver in dogs. It's a fast-growing cancer that tends to spread rapidly to other organs, even before clinical signs are evident.

Fighting cancer will always necessitate a multifaceted strategy. The immune system must recognize and remove the aggressive and rapidly growing cancer cells and strengthen the compromised systems. 

Chemotherapy and surgery are effective in eradicating aggressive cancer cells, but they can be taxing on the immune system. The ideal medicine works with the body rather than against it to restore a healthy dynamic for the entire body.

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is a highly malignant and aggressive cancer originating from the cells that line blood vessels, known as endothelial cells. It typically affects the spleen, heart, or liver but can also arise in other organs.

This cancer grows rapidly and often spreads to other organs before showing noticeable signs, making it challenging to detect in its early stages. Hemangiosarcoma is characterized by its ability to cause internal bleeding, which can be sudden and severe.

The signs of hemangiosarcoma can vary depending on the affected organ. Dogs might display clinical signs such as weakness, lethargy, pale gums, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention, collapse, or sudden collapse due to internal bleeding.

Hemangiosarcoma in the spleen is quite common and often goes unnoticed until the tumor ruptures, causing severe internal bleeding. Dogs may show signs of weakness, collapse, or abdominal swelling when the spleen is affected.

When hemangiosarcoma is in the heart, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the pericardium (sac around the heart), causing breathing difficulties and eventual heart failure. Hepatic hemangiosarcoma causes abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or signs of liver dysfunction.

Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis typically involves a combination of approaches. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination, followed by bloodwork, imaging with x-rays or CT scans, a fine needle aspiration (FNA), or a biopsy of an abnormal growth on an organ.

If a mass or abnormality is identified through imaging, a fine needle aspiration might be performed. During FNA, a small needle is inserted into the suspicious area to collect cells for examination under a microscope. While this can provide some information, it might not always yield a definitive diagnosis for hemangiosarcoma.

A biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample from the suspected tumor or affected organ, is the most definitive method for diagnosing hemangiosarcoma. This tissue sample is examined by a pathologist to identify cancerous cells and determine the type of cancer present.

Diagnosing hemangiosarcoma often requires a combination of these methods. Sometimes, due to the nature of this cancer, it might not be definitively diagnosed until surgery is performed and a biopsy of the affected tissue is analyzed.

Early detection can be challenging as hemangiosarcoma often progresses without noticeable clinical signs until it reaches an advanced stage. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt evaluation of any concerning signs or symptoms in your dog can aid in the early detection and potential treatment of this aggressive cancer.

When diagnosing a dog with hemangiosarcoma, most veterinarians will give a guarded prognosis due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and its tendency to spread rapidly. The life expectancy can vary significantly based on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the treatment options available to your dog, and how your dog responds to treatment. 

Your dog's general health, underlying health conditions, and age can influence the prognosis. Younger, healthier dogs might respond differently to treatment than older dogs or those with other health issues.

Treatment options are limited due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and its propensity to spread rapidly. Surgery to remove the tumor or affected organ, along with chemotherapy, might be attempted in some cases to prolong survival and improve quality of life. However, the prognosis for hemangiosarcoma is generally poor, with a high chance of recurrence or metastasis even after treatment.

Unfortunately, the median survival time for dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, even with treatment, is often measured in months rather than years. Survival times can vary widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and in some cases, with aggressive treatment and early detection, it might extend beyond a year.

Supporting your dog's overall health and immune function forms the foundation for managing hemangiosarcoma. Opt for lean, high-quality protein sources to help maintain muscle mass and promote general well-being. Animal fats serve as excellent energy sources. However, a key aspect is the exclusion of carbohydrates from your dog's diet.

Ketones, derived from the digestion and metabolism of animal protein and fat, serve as an alternative to carbohydrates as your dog's energy source. Research has shown that cancer creates a metabolic dysfunction within cells' energy centers, known as mitochondria. 

Cancer cells exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart from normal cells. These traits depend on their constant preference for glucose from sugars and carbohydrates. Due to their altered oxygen use and glucose preference, cancer cannot metabolize ketone bodies. 

By reducing carbohydrates and sugars in your dog's diet, you essentially starve the cancer cells, lowering blood glucose levels and curbing the drivers of cancer cell proliferation in the bloodstream.

A fresh diet, fed either raw or gently cooked, will provide all the necessary nutrients without the carbohydrates found in kibble. The Real Ancestral 6X Diet™  contains:

While fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates, they are also rich in essential nutrients like phytochemicals, flavonoids, and vitamins, known for their inherent cancer-fighting properties. Incorporating low-glycemic fruits and vegetables such as berries, apples, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables into your dog's diet can offer these valuable nutrients.

Chemopreventive dietary supplements are termed for stimulating apoptosis, the natural process of cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. This mechanism aids in eliminating abnormal cancerous cells from the body.

Supplements Recommended for Hemangiosarcoma Patients

Incorporating supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, medicinal mushrooms, herbs, and full spectrum CBD oil have all shown positive health benefits for dogs battling cancer. 

Because hemangiosarcomas develop in the linings of blood vessels, bleeding is a common issue. Yunnan Bai Yao is a well-researched, effective Chinese herbal therapy that helps dogs with HSA by reducing bleeding and providing support.

Traditional Chinese Medicine frequently combines multiple herbs to create a remedy for specific disorders. The exact composition of Yunnan Bai Yao's ingredients is a closely guarded secret. However, it typically contains a blend of yam roots, ox gall bladder, pseudoginseng, and sweet geranium, which are believed to have hemostatic effects.

While it is considered generally safe, the use of Yunnan Baiyao should be under the guidance of a veterinarian. A professional should determine dosage and administration methods to ensure proper usage and avoid any potential adverse effects or interactions with other medications.

Medicinal mushrooms are various fungi that possess therapeutic properties and have been used in traditional Medicine for their potential health benefits. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds known for their medicinal properties, such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, terpenoids, and other antioxidants.

Mushrooms with anticancer and immune-boosting properties include Shitake, Maitake, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Agaricus Blazei, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey Tail. Although these varieties have health benefits, the turkey tail mushroom is the most promising if your dog has a hemangiosarcoma.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to treat various diseases and cancers. Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide compounds, including PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide), which have been studied for their potential anticancer and immune-enhancing effects. 

A study at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine demonstrated an astounding benefit of turkey tail mushrooms for dogs suffering from hemangiosarcoma, a cancer so aggressive that untreated dogs only lived an average of 86 days before succumbing to it. However, the dogs in the Penn study given turkey tail mushrooms lived for more than a year with no treatment other than the mushroom compound!

Milk Thistle Protects Against Free Radicals

A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is essential for your dog's body to maintain physiological functions. If there are too many free radicals for the body to control, oxidative stress results. Antioxidants are necessary to maintain the correct balance.

Milk thistle  (Silybum marianum) is an herbal therapy used to treat various ailments for over 2000 years. Milk thistle's active element, a flavonoid called silymarin, is found in the plant's seeds. Most herbal remedies comprise extracts from crushed seeds that have been standardized to contain a specified amount of silymarin.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal therapy used to treat various ailments for over 2000 years. Milk thistle's active element, a flavonoid called silymarin, is found in the plant's seeds. Most herbal remedies comprise extracts from crushed seeds that have been standardized to contain a specified amount of silymarin. 

Milk thistle research suggests that silymarin has high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties and can stimulate cellular repair and regeneration.

Milk thistle extracts may also have anticancer properties by reducing the growth of specific cancer cells. The active ingredients in milk thistle have been shown in the lab to influence cancer cells by preventing them from dividing, limiting their lifespan, and reducing the blood supply to the tumor. Additional research suggests that the active components may enhance some chemotherapeutic treatments. 

The recommended dose is 0.2 ml per 5 pounds of body weight, 2-3 times daily. Although milk thistle is considered safe for dogs, its use and dosage should be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure the supplement does not interfere with other treatments or medications for managing hemangiosarcoma.

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow-orange spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, imparting a warm, peppery flavor and a bright color to dishes.

Turmeric, specifically its active compound curcumin, has been shown to offer potential health benefits for dogs due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, and neurological systems. Some studies have shown that curcumin has potential properties,

Curcumin is not easily absorbed because it is not soluble in water. It must be mixed in an oil such as coconut oil. You can create a golden paste to add to water or kefir for a tasty and beneficial addition to your dog's meals. Making golden paste includes:

1/2 cup organic turmeric powder (organic turmeric powder contains more curcumin and is pesticide-free)

1/4 cup coconut oil (organic, cold-pressed)

To improve absorption, add 1 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.

In a saucepan, combine the ingredients and cook over medium/low heat for 5-10 minutes or until a paste forms. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a jar and storing it in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks

The following are the dosage recommendations:

Start with 1/4 teaspoon per day for small dogs

Start with 1/2 teaspoon each day for medium dogs

What to Feed a Dog with Hemangiosarcoma

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