Is Your Dog at Risk for Hemangiosarcoma? 5 Natural Ways to Fight Cancer in Dogs
Understanding Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in Dogs: Natural Remedies and Options
If you’re looking to learn more about natural pet health and wellness, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’ll be discussing Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a cancer affecting the lining of blood vessels, particularly in the spleen, and how to manage it with natural remedies.
What is Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)?
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a cancer of the lining of red blood cells and blood vessels. It most commonly affects large-breed dogs and is often found in the spleen, although it can also affect the heart and the skin.
I first encountered HSA in my early veterinary practice with a German Shepherd mix named Hoochie. He was an incredible dog, but unfortunately, he passed away at just 8 years old from this disease. This was a very formative experience for me, as I did everything I could to save him, including surgery and exploring alternative options. Since then, I’ve gained more knowledge and now have a range of natural remedies that I can share with you.
Causes and Risk Factors for Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)
Hemangiosarcoma is more common in certain dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. There’s a clear genetic predisposition, but environmental factors may also play a role. Diets containing toxins such as cadmium, heavy metals, or glyphosate (found in Roundup) may increase a dog’s likelihood of developing cancer.
Additionally, the use of certain veterinary treatments, such as frequent vaccinations, can overstimulate the immune system and potentially increase the risk of cancers like HSA.
Clinical Signs of HSA
The clinical signs of HSA can be vague at first, often starting with weakness or changes in behavior. Hoochie, for example, appeared slightly slower on our daily runs, and I noticed his gums were slightly pale. Blood tests revealed he was mildly anemic.
In other cases, a veterinarian may palpate an abdominal mass or notice signs of internal bleeding. You may see abdominal distension, and in some cases, a massive tumor could rupture, leading to internal bleeding and sudden collapse.
Here are some common signs of HSA:
- Paleness or weakness
- Abdominal distension or swelling
- Sudden collapse due to internal bleeding (especially in cases of ruptured spleen)
- Cardiac symptoms if the heart is affected (coughing, abnormal heart function)
- Skin lesions (such as blood blisters) if the cancer affects the skin
How is Hemangiosarcoma Diagnosed?
When Hoochie showed signs that suggested HSA, I followed up with additional blood tests and X-rays. We found an enlarged spleen, and an ultrasound confirmed the mass. A biopsy would have been needed for a definitive diagnosis, but due to the potential risks of biopsying the spleen, I proceeded directly to surgery. I removed the spleen, and the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of Hemangiosarcoma.
Conventional Treatment Options for Hemangiosarcoma
The most common treatment for HSA is surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy). However, without chemotherapy, the prognosis is poor—most dogs survive only about 90 days post-surgery due to metastasis (the spread of cancer). With surgery and chemotherapy combined, the median survival time increases to about 6 months, but it’s still not curative.
Natural Remedies for Hemangiosarcoma
If your dog has been diagnosed with HSA, here are some natural remedies I would consider alongside conventional treatments:
1. Artemisinin (Artemisia annua)
Artemisinin is a potent natural compound with anticancer properties, particularly effective against cancers like HSA. Research suggests it is selectively toxic to cancer cells, targeting those with high iron content (which HSA cells have). Artemisinin has shown to slow tumor growth and improve survival rates in dogs. A typical dosage is 5 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
2. Yunnan Baiyao
Yunnan Baiyao is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy that has been shown to stop bleeding rapidly, which is especially helpful for dogs with HSA that are bleeding internally. This remedy is used by many veterinarians as an adjunct to surgery and other treatments. The standard dosage is 1 capsule per 30-50 lbs of body weight twice daily.
3. Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey tail mushroom is a powerful medicinal mushroom with immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that turkey tail can extend survival times for dogs with cancer, including HSA. It can also be used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy, as it has very few side effects. The typical dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
4. CBD Oil
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis. It has been studied for its ability to promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, as well as reduce inflammation and pain. I recommend Dr. Jones’s Ultimate Canine Blend, which contains a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids, for managing cancer in dogs. The typical dose is 3 mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily.
5. Fenbendazole (Panacur)
Fenbendazole, an anthelmintic (dewormer), has shown promise as an anti-cancer agent. While it has not been specifically studied for HSA, its effects on other cancers make it a valuable option. It appears to target cancer cells by disrupting the cell wall. The typical dosage is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight for 3 days on, 4 days off.
Prognosis and Next Steps
If your dog has been diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, I understand how overwhelming it can be. While the prognosis is often poor with conventional treatments alone, combining surgery with natural remedies can improve your dog’s quality of life and potentially extend survival times.
If anything new comes out, such as an effective vaccine for HSA, I will definitely keep you informed.
I hope this article has provided you with valuable information about Hemangiosarcoma and the natural remedies you can consider. If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more tips on natural pet health and wellness.
Can you use multiple treatments you mention? Is that more beneficial? I want to be sure I could combine them if we decide to, but want to be sure that is okay and won’t cause her any issues.
Yes, you can use multiple treatments mentioned in the article, and they can be beneficial when combined. Dr. Jones discusses several natural remedies for managing hemangiosarcoma, such as Artemisinin, Yunnan Baiyao, Turkey Tail Mushroom, CBD oil, and Fenbendazole. These can be used together, but it is important to monitor for any side effects and consult your vet to ensure they are appropriate and safe for your dog’s specific condition. Combining treatments may enhance the overall effectiveness in managing cancer and improving quality of life.
Hi, where can you purchase adriamycin? Is this a human supplement that can be used for dogs?
Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is a chemotherapy drug used for treating cancer in both humans and animals, including dogs. However, it is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a veterinarian.You can try Panacur and here are the articles you can check: https://veterinarysecrets.com/?s=panacur
HI, thank you for the article! My dog has a spleenectomy and has been diagnoses with HSA, I have since been feeding him ground turkey, greek yogurt, sweet potato, blueberries, eggs, rice. Are there certain diets you would recommend? Thank you so much.
MACK
I’m glad you found the article helpful! I’m sorry to hear about your dog’s diagnosis. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) can be challenging, but providing the right diet can support your dog’s health, especially after a spleenectomy.
Given your dog’s condition, here are some general dietary recommendations to help support their immune system, overall health, and energy levels:
1. High-Quality Protein
Ground turkey and eggs are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting the immune system, and aiding recovery. You might also consider adding lean meats like chicken or fish (such as salmon, which is rich in Omega-3s).
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids (from sources like fish oil or flaxseed oil) have anti-inflammatory properties and may help support your dog’s immune system and reduce inflammation associated with cancer. Fish like salmon and sardines are great options if you’re not already including them in the diet.
3. Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Blueberries are excellent because they’re high in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect cells. Other good sources include spinach, kale, and carrots. These help combat oxidative stress and support the immune system.
4. Fiber
Sweet potatoes and rice are good sources of fiber, which aids in digestion and can help maintain a healthy weight. You can also incorporate pumpkin for added fiber and digestive support.
5. Healthy Fats
Coconut oil and olive oil are both healthy fat sources that provide essential fatty acids. They can help boost your dog’s energy levels and support brain function.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
Turmeric (curcumin) is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may help with pain and inflammation. You can add a small amount of turmeric to your dog’s food or look for supplements designed for pets.
Ginger is another option that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion.
7. Supplements
Consider discussing with your vet whether supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, probiotics, or colostrum could be beneficial in supporting your dog’s immune system during cancer treatment.
8. Avoid Processed Foods
Since your dog is undergoing treatment for HSA, it’s crucial to avoid feeding processed foods, especially those with artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers. Stick to whole, natural foods as you’re currently doing.
9. Hydration
Keeping your dog well-hydrated is essential, particularly after a spleenectomy and during cancer treatment. Make sure fresh water is always available, and you can also try adding water or low-sodium broth to meals to help with hydration.
My English pointer Kacey was diagnosed 2 months ago with HSA. I immediately started with yunnan baiyo, I’m unity, probiotic, turkey tail, senior immune drops as well as traditional meds Galliprant, Denamarin, and Gabapentin. She’s alert, comfortable and engaged in life! Thank God! My only problem has been her picky eating. Have run the gamut of eggs, lean hamburger, roast beef, hot dogs, chicken and salmon! Since her meds are given 3 times daily, I mix them in a medicine cup with cherry juice, then pop it down the side of her mouth via syringe (without the needle of course!)
This is super common with HSA, especially with daily meds and how the body’s responding. The fact that she’s still eating something is good, but I know how stressful it is when meals become a chore.
Here are some gentle ideas that might help spark her appetite:
? Appetite-Boosting Tips:
Warm the food – Enhances aroma and palatability (especially broth or meat).
Bone broth or sardine juice – Add a splash to meals for smell and flavor. Sardine water (from canned sardines in water) is often a hit!
Rotisserie chicken (skin removed) – For some reason, the scent is irresistible to many dogs.
Baby food (meat varieties, no onions/garlic) – Easy to mix in and syringe if needed.
Tiny sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast – Can stimulate interest without being too rich.
CBD oil (vet-grade) – Low doses may help with nausea and anxiety around eating, plus some anti-cancer benefit.
Slippery elm bark or marshmallow root – If you think she’s dealing with mild nausea or gut irritation.