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

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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.

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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.

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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.