Canine and feline haemangiosarcoma

INTRODUCTION: Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant neoplasm of dogs and cats that is suspected to originate from a pluripotent bone marrow progenitor with a complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. APPROACH: Pertinent literature was identified, reviewed, and summarized for inclusion in the manuscript. RESULTS/INTERPRETATION: Dogs are more frequently diagnosed with HSA than cats, and primary sites of this disease include dermal, subcutaneous/intramuscular, and visceral (most commonly the spleen). Dogs and cats with HSA generally have a poor prognosis owing to the rapid and widespread metastasis typically associated with this disease. However, some forms such as cutaneous HSA behave in a less aggressive fashion with improved outcomes. Surgical excision and anthracycline-based chemotherapy remain the mainstays of treatment, although novel treatment modalities are currently under investigation for potential roles in treatment of this disease. CONCLUSION: This review aims to describe the clinical presentation and progression of the various forms of HSA in dogs and cats as well as to provide a systematic review of the veterinary literature with a focus on the various published treatment options and associated outcomes.