hemangiosarcoma possibility

[dorloff]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this site but I find it comforting to be able to ask questions here. My baby Freckles is in the hospital. My husband and I are hoping to take her home today. The vets thinks that she might have hemangiosarcoma. She just had her spleen taken out as well as the mass. The vets say that everything looks fine except for her liver. They found a lesion but was able to take it out plus a good margin. We are waiting for the biopsy report but are preparing for the worse. The liver as the vet explained as some discoloration but no lesions other than the 1 that he found. Does anyone have any idea what other type of cancer could be found in a boxer? My husband and I are so distraught. The technicians keep telling us what a sweetie she is. Her internal bleeding has stopped. The doctor's cannot find anything else wrong. Really appreciate any information or experience one has to offer.

 

[sgbtab]

sending lots of<<<<<<< boxer vibes>>>>>>>> to freckles
sorry I can not help with your question but just wanted you to know we are thinking about you and your family.

 

[SuzanneC]

First off, my thoughts are with you and Freckles.

As for other cancers, there are a number that can affect the spleen. Additionally, a splenic hematoma can look JUST LIKE a hemangiosarcoma and also result in internal bleeding. The fact that there was only one spot on the liver is good. Potentially, it may have been a spot of something completely unrelated to the mass in the spleen. If your vet didn't already do it, I would strongly recommend radiographs of the thorax, because hemangiosarcoma can metastasize to the lungs, and is also commonly found in the right atrium of the heart.

My hemangiosarcoma story has already been posted a couple of times on the forum, but I'll share it again for you. Last May, my best friend's Dalmatian, Pixel, collapsed while on a walk. She was rushed to the University of Missouri's veterinary teaching hospital, where she received a blood transfusion to replace what was lost into her abdomen. The next morning after she was stabilized, she went to surgery. They removed her spleen with the ruptured tumor, and found metastatic tumors in her liver too numerous to count. The oncologist said he had never seen a liver so bad. He gave Pixel two weeks to two months to live. The surgeon recommended euthanasia on the table. Sarah refused, and stayed with Pixel in the ICU for three days, until the surgeons decided they would both be better off at home.

Pixel recovered well, except for a bout of Mycoplasma hemocanis (formerly Hemobartonella canis) because of not having a spleen. She surprised everyone and lived more than nine months after diagnosis (not six, like in the above link). Pixel was hit and killed by a school bus in February. I wish I knew how long she would have lived had that not happened.

Don't give up hope. Treasure your time with your pup. Cancer is a horrible thing, but dogs can still live happy lives for a while with it.

 

[dorloff]

Thank you!!

Thank you so much for your encouraging words and posting the story of Pixel. I am so sorry that she was hit by an school bus. Your words and support have been extremely comforting. Right now Freckles is at home and resting on her favorite couch. My husband has stayed home from work to take care of her. He is sleeping on the floor! I think that she is enjoying that!! We are anxiously waiting for the biopsy report. The vet did perform an ultra sound on her thorax area and found nothing in her lungs and her atriums. However, due to the bleeding from the spleen - she has some blood in a sac surrounding her heart. Other than that - the vet stated that her heart looks good and that she is in good health. He recommended that we make an appointment with an oncologist and we have set it for next Tuesday.

Thank you again for your support. We really appreciate it.

 

[jaimie]

My boxer Britnee (who passed a few years ago- here is her story
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40095 )

She died from hemangiosarcoma of her heart. It was too late for her, we had no idea she was sick until it was too late, the pericardium-sack around her heart was filled with blood. She died the same day we found out. She had no problems at her check up a few months before she passed away, she was completely healthy. Although I don't believe just because they have cancer once it means they will die from it, you just never know. But, unfortunately hemangiosarcoma is aggressive and does spread to the major organs -heart, lungs, liver. I hope for the best with Freckles.

 

[dorloff]

Update on Freckles

Freckles is doing great after the removal of her spleen. The vet called with the blood work and stated that the kidney is doing well and she is maintaining a normal hemoglobin level. We are still waiting anxiously for the biopsy results but the vets keep telling us they suspect hemangiosarcoma. Freckles is receiving all the love and support from friends and family. I feel very strongly that whatever she has - she will fight. Tomorow - we should get the biopsy report. We are scared and sad. She is such a sweetie and just gives such an unconditional love.

Appreciate all the support.

 

[sinbad'smom]

sending all the healing vibes i can muster to your baby...hope the test has the results you want...keep us updated on freckles and big hugs to you both...dora

 

[dorloff]

So frustrated!!

I just checked my work voicemail and the vet received the biopsy results last Friday but did not try calling us at home. Turns out the vet and his assistant will be on vacation till Wed. Now, the hospital is trying to find out who took over while he is out and review the results. Well.. we are hoping for good news but we are still expecting to hear the dreaded C word.

Thank you so much for the support. It really helps. My stomach is all tied up in knots.

 

[dorloff]

hemangiosarcoma diagnosed

Freckles vet just called.. She has hemangiosarcoma and it has spread to the liver. It has not spread anywhere else yet. Her heart looks good. She is going to need all the support and boxer vibes.

Tomorrow, my husband and I will be meeting with the oncologist. We will be going over our options. We are really hoping that if she responds to treatment she will be able to be with us for at least 11 months. This is a terrible disease.

 

[sgbtab]

I am so sorry that the news was not good. it just brings tears to my eyes. I will say a prayer for you and freckles and hope everything goes well with her. again I am sorry