Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Dog splenic hemangiosarcoma: prognosis after spleen removal & chemo?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Leonberger | Female | spayed | 8 years and 3 months old | 135 lbs

Can you tell me about Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen. Spleen removed with tumor and currently starting chemo. Scans show no other tumors, and blood work is clear. Can you describe what this is, and give a educated prognosis. Thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2017

I'm so sorry that Gunner had a hemagiosarcoma! It's unfortunately a very aggressive cancer, and the overall prognosis is typically poor as it's rarely curable. It's been found that dogs who do not have identifiable metastasis at the time of surgery and receive chemo have a life expectancy of 6-10 months. It is good that his tumor hasn't ruptured the spleen have a better prognosis, and the combination of a spleenectomy and chemo can increase survival time. Fewer than 10% of dogs survive more than 1 year. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, so sorry to hear about Gunner! Hemangiosarcoma is perhaps the most common abdominal tumor I see. It is cancerous, and highly metastatic, which is why other "scans" were done to see if it had traveled anywhere before the spleen was removed. Hopefully they took radiographs of the chest and abdomen, as well as a full abdominal ultrasound. This tumor commonly travels to the lungs, for example. Likely no small tumors were seen on radiographs of the lungs, but there is no way to be 100% certain that there has been no microscopic evidence of cancer in the lungs by just looking at radiographs. This is why your veterinarian has recommended chemotherapy treatment and will likely want to do follow-up diagnostics to monitor Gunner. There is no way to know exactly how long Gunner has, but there are specific percentage survival rates based on his age and what the spleen looked like on pathology. Your oncologist should be able to help you with these specifics. Ideally, there won't have been any metastasis from the spleen yet and Gunner will do great, but I don't have enough information to assure you of this. Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on March 30th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry for the sad news. I have plenty of experience with this cancer type as I only see cancer cases. Unfortunately, this tumor type does carry a poor prognosis. I do recommend chemotherapy but the prognosis still remains poor. If there is no spread of the cancer at this point and you proceed with chemotherapy, the median survival times are usually about 4-6 months. They do respond just not for very long. The chemotherapy I recommend is one called doxorubicin. Without chemotherapy and just surgery the survival times tend to be about 1-2 months. Sorry again for the sad news. I wish you and your pup the best!

    Vote icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025

Related Brands and Products

Dog Supplies Dog Health & Wellness Dog Treats & Chews Dog First Aid & Recovery Dog Blood Pressure Medication Dog Recovery Cones & Surgical Suits Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Pain Medicine & Relief Dog Vitamins & Supplements Prescription Dog Digestive Medications Galliprant Dog First Aid & Recovery Galliprant Dog Pain Medicine & Relief SENERGY Heartworm Medicine for Dogs Glandex Dog First Aid & Recovery Epogen Dog Blood Pressure Medication HEALERS Dog Pain Medicine & Relief Adequan Canine Dog Pain Medicine & Relief Adequan Canine Dog First Aid & Recovery Sulfasalazine Prescription Dog Digestive Medications Prednisone Dog First Aid & Recovery
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored