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Concurrent splenic and right atrial mass at presentation in dogs with HSA: a retrospective study
Sarah E Boston1, Geraldine Higginson, Gabrielle Monteith
1Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. sboston@uoguelph.ca
Insights
Concurrent cardiac hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is less common in dogs with splenic HSA than previously thought. However, dogs with cardiac HSA show a higher rate of metastasis to other sites, with risk decreasing with age.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Oncology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
Background:
- Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common and aggressive cancer in dogs.
- Splenic and cardiac HSA are distinct but potentially concurrent diagnoses.
- Understanding concurrent presentations is crucial for accurate staging and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of concurrent splenic and cardiac hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs.
- To assess metastasis patterns in dogs diagnosed with splenic or cardiac HSA.
- To identify factors influencing metastasis in canine HSA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of dogs diagnosed with splenic or cardiac HSA.
- Inclusion of dogs assessed for metastasis via thoracic radiography, ultrasound, and/or postmortem examination.
- Group 1: 23 dogs with splenic HSA; Group 2: 31 dogs with cardiac HSA.
Main Results:
- Concurrent cardiac masses were found in 8.7% of dogs with splenic HSA.
- In dogs with cardiac HSA, 29% had concurrent splenic HSA, and 42% had metastasis elsewhere.
- Older dogs with cardiac HSA had a decreased risk of nonsplenic metastasis (OR, 0.457).
Conclusions:
- The rate of concurrent cardiac HSA in dogs with splenic HSA is lower than previously reported.
- Cardiac HSA in dogs carries a significant risk of metastasis, influenced by age.
- Further research into concurrent HSA presentations and prognostic factors is warranted.
Abstract:
The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the presence of concurrent splenic and cardiac hemangiosarcoma (HSA). Dogs were divided into two groups: group 1 included 23 dogs with splenic HSA, and group 2 included 31 dogs with a cardiac HSA. All dogs were fully assessed for metastasis with thoracic radiography, abdominal and/or cardiac ultrasound, and/or postmortem examination. Two dogs (8.7%) in group 1 had a concurrent cardiac mass. Neither of these dogs had pericardial effusion, and both were golden retrievers. Thirteen of the dogs in group 1 presented with a hemoabdomen. Concurrent intra-abdominal metastasis was noted in seven dogs. In group 2, 9/31 (29%) of the dogs had a concurrent splenic HSA, and 13/31 (42%) of the dogs had evidence of metastasis to another site. There was a significant association between age and the presence of nonsplenic metastasis (odds ratio, 0.457). The rate of concurrent right atrial mass detected by cardiac ultrasound in dogs with splenic HSA was 8.7%, which is less than previously reported. For dogs with right atrial HSA, the risk of metastasis to nonsplenic sites decreases with age.
