Pericardial Hemangiosarcoma in a 10-Year-Old Papillon

A 10 yr old papillon was evaluated for lethargy, inappetence, tachypnea, and labored breathing. Physical examination findings included dehydration, tachypnea, tachycardia, and muffled heart sounds. Thoracic radiographs revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette. Echocardiography revealed a mild volume of pericardial effusion and no evidence of right atrial tamponade or a cardiac-associated mass. Cytological analysis of the pericardial effusion was consistent with blood. There was no evidence of neoplasia. Coagulation parameters were within normal limits. Initial treatment consisted of pericardiocentesis. A subtotal pericardiectomy was later performed. No surgical complications were noted, and the dog was discharged 2 days following surgery. Results of the histological examination of the pericardium revealed hemangiosarcoma. Treatment with doxorubicin was initiated 12 days after surgery, at which time, pulmonary metastasis was suspected. The dog survived for 18 days after subtotal pericardiectomy, when it was euthanized because of complications presumably related to pulmonary metastatic disease. This is the first published report of primary pericardial hemangiosarcoma. The dog had a short survival time; thus, the response to subtotal pericardiectomy combined with adjuvant doxorubicin treatment could not be determined. Pulmonary metastatic disease was suspected 12 days following surgery. Based on this case report, pericardial hemangiosarcoma carries a guarded prognosis.