Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: March 29, 2020
Pericardial hemangiosarcoma in a cat
Lezith D Chavez1, Giulio Menciotti1, Santiago Diab2
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
Insights
This case report details a rare feline hemangiosarcoma diagnosis in a cat presenting with effusion. Pericardial hemangiosarcoma should be considered in feline cardiac neoplasm differentials.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hemangiosarcoma is a rare but aggressive cancer in cats.
- Pericardial effusion can be caused by various conditions, including neoplasms.
Case Summary:
A 5-year-old, male castrated cat was presented with lethargy, tachypnea, and pleural and pericardial effusion. Echocardiographic assessment revealed an irregular hyperechoic structure that occupied a large portion of the thoracic cavity, expanding from the pericardium and surrounding the heart. Postmortem evaluation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry for factor VIII-related antigen confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial and splenic hemangiosarcoma.
Relevance And Novel Information:
This case report highlights that hemangiosarcoma, despite being rarely reported, should be considered as a differential for pericardial neoplasms in cats.
