Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma Research Articles

Surgical removal and autologous skin grafting as a successful treatment of primary cutaneous haemangiosarcoma in a horse

SummaryThis report describes the successful treatment of a cutaneous haemangiosarcoma in a 12‐year‐old horse presented for evaluation of a cutaneous mass on the left gluteal region. The horse was treated by complete large surgical excision of the neoplastic tissue. A good cosmetic outcome as well as a short recovery time was achieved with an autologous skin grafting split thickness modified Meek technique. A long‐term follow‐up of the patient showed no reoccurrence of the haemangiosarcoma and a successful return to athletic performance. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first equine primary cutaneous haemangiosarcoma treated with complete excision and subsequently autologous skin grafting with a long‐term follow‐up and good outcome despite the poor prognosis.

Hemangiossarcoma cutâneo em equino - relato de caso

ABSTRACT Hemangiosarcoma is a rare neoplasia in horses, with a reported prevalence of 0% to 0.7% and literature reports are few. Here we report a case of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma on the palmaromedial aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right thoracic limb of a 28-year old mixed breed mare. Macroscopically, the lesion was ulcerated and hemorrhagic, with significant involvement of the surrounding tissues resulting in acquired flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joint and grade 4/5 lameness (AAEP). The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Surgical ablation was not possible and, in view of the involvement of surrounding tissues and the age of the patient, the lesion was treated conservatively.

Descriptive analysis of haemangiosarcoma occurrence in dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever lifetime study.

Haemangiosarcoma is a relatively common malignant tumour in dogs, and one of the primary outcomes of interest for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. This study collects longitudinal data and samples from a cohort of golden retrievers, with the aim of identification of nutritional, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and reproductive risk factors for cancers and other important diseases in dogs. This analysis describes the accumulating data and samples, which are available for use by researchers to fulfil the study's objectives. As of September 2022, 233/3044 dogs enrolled in the study had been diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma (7.65%), with an incidence rate of 1.10 cases per 100 dog-years. Visceral haemangiosarcoma was the most common, affecting 211/3044 study dogs (6.9%). One hundred and twenty eight visceral haemangiosarcoma diagnoses specified the presence of splenic tumours (60.7%) and 119 specified the presence of cardiac tumours (56.4%). The probability of remaining without a haemangiosarcoma diagnosis declined from 100% from approximately 4 years of age, to a 12 year probability of 91.1% in intact females (95% CI 84.4%-98.3%), 60.7% in neutered females (95% CI 41.6%-88.6%), 72.9% in intact males (95% CI 62.9%-84.6%) and 70.0% in neutered males (95% CI 53.4%-92.0%). The 1 year survival probability for visceral haemangiosarcoma was 1.42% (95% CI 0.37%-5.47%); for cutaneous haemangiosarcoma, it was 84.6% (95% CI 67.1%-99.99%). The accumulated data and samples are a considerable resource for further investigation of canine haemangiosarcoma and have a potential role in translational medicine.

Excision of a facial cutaneous hemangiosarcoma: Case report

This article analyzes a case of nodulation in the left face region of a bitch, with no defined breed and approximately 8 years of age, admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of a private University. After physical and complementary examinations suggested hemangiosarcoma, the neoplasia was excised for diagnostic confirmation through histopathology. Reconstructive surgery was performed with the axial flap technique on the superficial temporal artery, resulting in complete resection of the neoplasia. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and the patient was referred to veterinary oncology service.

Treatment of congenital atypical haemangiosarcoma in a foal

SummaryHaemangiosarcoma is a rare vascular tumour in horses, usually originating from blood vessel endothelial cells. We present the case of an 8‐day‐old foal, referred for an atypical large subcutaneous mass on the left side since birth. Ultrasonographically, it showed multiple cavities with hypoechoic content, marked vascularisation and fluid movement between cavities. As the nature of the mass suggested that surgery could result in profuse bleeding, we decided to perform an initial arteriography to identify the pattern and calibre of the main vessels and embolisation of this vascular supply, which allowed surgical removal with less bleeding than expected. This approach, with pre‐surgical transarterial embolisation of the tumour, is not commonly used in equine surgery. Histology established a diagnosis of cutaneous haemangiosarcoma. During 1‐year post‐surgery, clinical and ultrasound examinations were carried out without any signs of recurrence or metastasis. One year later, the foal was euthanised due to a limb fracture. No macroscopic signs of metastasis were observed at necropsy. Histology showed no signs of recurrence. Cutaneous haemangiosarcomas, though rare, should be included in the differential of masses and growths with compatible ultrasound or cytological findings. Transcatheter arterial embolisation of highly vascularised neoplasms can reduce bleeding and facilitate subsequent surgical resection.

Hemangiosarcoma de perro: Reporte de un caso

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) presents itself as an extremely invasive and metastatic neoplasm, affecting any vascularized organ because it is derived from growth changes of cells with endothelial lineage. They can also occur in the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by histopathological examinations of primary tumor samples or metastases. A seven-year-old male canine, castrated, pit bull breed, weighing 24.8 kg of body mass, was attended at the Veterinary Clinic - Pet Shop. The main complaint reported by the guardian was hemorrhage in the pelvic region for five days, weight loss, loss of appetite and was anemic. On physical examination, putrid odor was seen, the presence of a firm mass in the adhered and ulcerated pelvic region, suspected of a malignant tumor. The animal was referred to hospitalization, where treatment was initiated as enrofloxacin (1.2 ml, EV, IDB), dipyrone (1.2 ml, EV, IDB), maxicam 2% (0.12ml, EV, SID), oral support, hemoitam (3ml, VO, BID) and glyccolturbo (3ml, VO, BID). After 7 days of hospitalization, the presence of a neoplasm located in the subcutaneous tissue to the penis was confirmed by a cytopathological examination. Surgery was performed to remove the mass in which he completed the diagnosis as high-grade cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. The aim of this study is to report a case of canine hemangiosarcoma. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar un caso de hemangiosarcoma canino.

Perspectives of photodynamic therapy in biotechnology

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a current and innovative technique that can be applied in different areas, such as medical, biotechnological, veterinary, among others, both for the treatment of different pathologies, as well as for diagnosis. It is based on the action of light to activate photosensitizers that will perform their activity on target tissues, presenting high sensitivity and less adverse effects. Therefore, knowing that biotechnology aims to use processes to develop products aimed at improving the quality of life of human and the environment, and optimizing therapeutic actions, researchers have been used PDT as a tool of choice. This review aims to identify the impacts and perspectives and challenges of PDT in different areas of biotechnology, such as health and agriculture and oncology. Our search demonstrated that PDT has an important impact around oncology, minimizing the adverse effects and resistance to chemotherapeutic to the current treatments available for cancer. Veterinary medicine is another area with continuous interest in this therapy, since studies have shown promising results for the treatment of different animal pathologies such as Bovine mastitis, Malassezia, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, among others. In agriculture, PDT has been used, for example, to remove traces of antibiotics of milk. The challenges, in general, of PDT in the field of biotechnology are mainly the development of effective and non-toxic or less toxic photosensitizers for humans, animals and plants. We believe that there is a current and future potential for PDT in different fields of biotechnology due to the existing demand.

Clinical management of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in canines: a review of five cases

Hemangiosarcoma is a type of malignant vascular tumour that commonly affects the canines and has a very poor prognosis. Five dogs affected with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma were presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, over a 6-month period. All of the cases were subjected to thoracic radiography and intra-abdominal ultrasonography to rule out metastasis. The tumour mass was surgically excised in all the five animals. The cases were diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma on the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Two of the animals received chemotherapy using either vincristine or doxorubicin after surgical excision. The post-operative survival period was found to be slightly higher in the cases that received combined surgical excision and chemotherapy. The main aim of managing such cases should be to prolong the life of the animal by combining various treatment modalities like surgical excision, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. This paper concludes that the combined use of surgical excision and chemotherapy can be superior to surgical excision alone in prolonging the life of dogs suffering from a cutaneous form of hemangiosarcoma.

Photodynamic therapy for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasia that frequently occurs in dogs. The most effective treatment requires wide surgical excision of the tumor. To avoid mutilating surgeries, photodynamic therapy (PDT) could serve as an alternative treatment. This study aimed to treat cutaneous hemangiosarcomas in dogs using PDT with aluminium-chloride-phthalocyanine nanoemulsion (AlClPc-nano) as photosensitizer. Eight dogs with histopathological diagnosis of naturally occurring cutaneous hemangiosarcoma were treated. Animals were given intra and peritumoral injections of AlClPc-nano (13.3 μM). After 15 min, the masses were LED irradiated at a wavelength of 658-662 nm (80 mW potency) for 25 min (120 J/cm2 fluency). The number of sessions was based on lesion observations, with PDT sessions repeated every 7 days until the mass was no longer macroscopically visible. On that occasion, an excisional biopsy of the area was taken for histopathology analysis. Blood was collected from each animal before each PDT session and excisional biopsy for hematological analysis (blood counts; liver and kidney function). The number of PDT sessions varied from 2 to 4, depending on the size of the initial mass. Seven of the eight cases demonstrated complete remission of neoplasia. Microscopic analysis of the excisional biopsies showed necrosis and hemorrhage only, with no cancer cells, except in one case. During the treatment, inflammation and necrosis were macroscopically observed in the treated areas. The dogs did not show any alteration in blood parameters that could be related to the PDT. In conclusion, PDT with AlClPc-nano is a safe and effective treatment for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Canine Cutaneous Haemangiosarcoma: Biomarkers and Survival

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumour of vascular endothelial cells. It is common in dogs, but rare in other species, and may arise in any tissue. A dermal location of canine HSA has been associated with short survival and recurrence after surgical excision. Solar radiation has been proposed as a predisposing factor in shorthaired dogs with light skin pigmentation. There are no studies relating the expression of immunohistochemical markers to survival of dogs with cutaneous haemangiosarcoma (cHSA). Such data could contribute to establishing prognostic factors and new therapies based on the expression of target molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarkers and overall survival (OS) of dogs with cHSA, therefore helping to understand the biological behaviour of this neoplasm and determine prognostic factors. Sixty samples of canine cHSA were evaluated for the expression of factor VIII (FVIII), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 (Casp-3) by immunohistochemistry. The results were related to OS of animals through the model of competitive risks. In addition, the relationships between age, sex, breed, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were correlated with the OS of the dogs. Markers expression was positive in 80-100% of the samples, predominantly with weak to moderate labelling intensity for FVIII, COX-2, and VEGF, but with strong expression of PCNA and Casp-3. The median OS of dogs was 12 months. The variables of dog age, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were not related to the survival rate. Some predisposed breeds (i.e. pitbull, boxer, Basset hound and Dalmatian) showed greater OS than non-predisposed breeds. Dogs affected by other concomitant primary neoplasms had a longer survival curve than those with only cHSA, while the females of the former group had lower OS than males. The labelling indices of FVIII, COX-2, VEGF, PCNA and Casp-3 had no relationship to OS, neither did the labelling intensity of FVIII, COX-2 and VEGF. However, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF is frequent in canine cHSA so these possible therapeutic targets should be investigated further.

Mixed type cutaneous haemangiosarcoma in a dog

A six year old Labrador retriever with the history of growth over the skin of submandibular region was presented. The growth was removed and subjected for histopathological study. The tissue revealed variable sized vascular channels filled with blood. The vascular channels were lined by pleomorphic cells. The stroma revealed compact pleomorphic, hyperchromatic spindle shaped cells with prominent nucleoli and mitotic figures. The neoplastic cells forming neovascular structures originated from vascular endothelial cells. The mass composed of both cavernous and solid type of haemangiosarcoma. Based on the histopathological features, the case was diagnosed as cutaneous haemangiosarcoma with a mixture of cavernous and solid type in a Labrador retriever.

First description of Bartonella koehlerae infection in a Spanish dog with infective endocarditis

BackgroundBartonella koehlerae has been recently described as a new cat- and cat fleas-associated agent of culture-negative human endocarditis. It has been also encountered in one dog from Israel and six dogs from the USA, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking.ResultsA 7-year-old intact male mixed dog presented with clinico-pathological signs consistent with mitral endocarditis and cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. Molecular studies revealed the presence of Bartonella koehlerae DNA in samples from blood and mitral valve tissue.ConclusionsThis is the first description of B. koehlerae in Spain, corroborating that it can also be detected in dogs. Bartonella koehlerae infection should also be considered in Spain in humans and dogs presenting with clinical disease suggestive of it, such as culture-negative endocarditis.

Manifestação de síndrome paraneoplásica em um cão com hemangiossarcoma cutâneo: relato de caso

Our objective in this work was to report a case of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in a dog, emphasizing the clinical and pathological aspects and paraneoplastic changes associated with this neoplasia. On physical examination, there was an irregular nodule of 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm, elastic firm, dark red, stuck, ulcerated, right on the side of the prepuce. Blood count was conducted, serum levels of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, C reactive protein, Ca+, Na+, K+, Cl- and P. We also did the evaluation of clinical parameters heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and measurement of arterial blood pressure. Other tests performed included cytology of the tumour mass, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and electrocardiogram. Blood count changes observed were eosinophilia and lymphopenia, serum tests were within the reference standards for the species, there were no metastases on imaging studies as well there were no electrocardiographic changes. The animal underwent surgery for resection of the tumour and performed a histological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. We could conclude that one should include eosinophilia and lymphopenia as paraneoplastic manifestations in animals with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma.

Mixed Epigastric Axial Pattern Flap Following Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma Excision in a Male Dog

Background: Axial pattern flaps use direct cutaneous arteries to enable closure of a skin defect using a large skin segment. Caudal epigastric axial pattern flaps are highly versatile owing to their wide arc of rotation, which includes the preputial area. The presence of abundant loose and elastic skin allows wider flaps. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant neoplasm of endothelial cells with aggressive local behavior and high metastatic rate; the lungs are the most common site of metastasis. This case report aims to describe the use of a caudal epigastric artery-based flap, with preservation of some cranial epigastric artery branches for penis sparing, following resection of a hemangiosarcoma in the right inguinal region of a male dog.Case: An eight-year-old male Pitt Bull dog was referred with a 15 cm, ulcerated hemangiosarcoma in the right inguinal region, near the prepuce. A similar tumor had been removed from the same location two years before. Previous treatment with oral prednisone did not provide satisfactory results. The patient was suffering from intense chronic blood loss andbacterial infection of the tumor tissue. Thoracic radiographs revealed multiple metastatic nodules. Only mild regenerative anemia was found in blood tests. Considerable reductions in tumor size and in the ulcerated surface, decrease in bleeding, and recovery of appetite were observed after 7 days of administration of piroxicam and cephalexin. Surgical resectionof the tumor was performed as a palliative treatment with a minimal safety margin of 2 cm, which spared the penis. An epigastric skin flap incorporating the second mammary gland was performed preserving branches of cranial epigastric arteries, and was rotated 160° to cover the defect created in the right inguinal region and on the body of the penis. A small suture dehiscence, necrosis of the distal border of the flap, seroma, and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infection were observed in the postoperative period. Administration of penicillin V and topical collagenase, placement of a passive drain, and a second surgical procedure to correct the dehiscence were necessary to solve postoperative complications. Piroxicam based metronomic chemotherapy was maintained continuously, as the patient would exhibit worsening of overall condition upon discontinuation of medication. One hundred days after the initial presentation, the animal was euthanized owing to the presence of an osteolytic lesion on the vertebral bodies of L3-L4 and L5-L6, which were suggestive of discosponlylitis or axial bone metastasis.Discussion: Since lung metastases were present, penectomy and uretrostomy were not considered an option, and a pallia tive surgical treatment was performed. In this case report, cranial and caudal epigastric flap presented few complications. Caudal epigastric blood vessels are robust and abundant. Distal necrosis was considered a minor complication and was in accordance with others reports. The multidrug resistant infection was considered a nosocomial infection that arised from a long hospital stay. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase, piroxicam decreases angiogenesis, increases apoptosis, and prolongs disease-free intervals with mild toxicity. An excellent response to preoperative administration of piroxicam was crucial when choosing the postoperative protocol. A signifcant tumor size reduction and a decrease in chronic bleeding associated to improvement in general health were observed with the piroxicam-based treatment. To our knowledge, this is the frst report of a mixed (cranial and caudal) epigastric artery skin flap. This type of flap was considered a good option for correction of large defects in the inguinal region and for preservation of the prepuce and penis.Keywords: hemangiosarcoma, cranial, caudal, penis, sparing.

Spontaneous cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in mice

Two cases of spontaneous cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in Swiss mice are reported. Two terminal breeder female mice were presented with the history of subcutaneous swelling and ulceration of skin with or without necrosis. The tumour masses were recovered and examined for gross and histopathological alterations. Histopathological features were consistent with hemangiosarcoma. No evidence of metastasis was found in visceral organs.

Hemangiossarcoma facial em papagaio verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva)

Here we describe the first case report of an hemangiosarcoma in a male blue-fronted amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva). The mass was localized near the inferior portion of the right orbit. A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed and a presuntive diagnosis of hemangioma/hemangiosarcoma was established. Further histopathological evaluation revealed a mesenchymal neoplasm composed basically by well formed vascular channels lined by pleomorphic endothelial cells. Thus, the final diagnosis was a well-differentiated cutaneous hemangiosarcoma.

Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma in a Dog

A male golden retriever of unknown age presented with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous masses from the left elbow to the digits. Histopathologically, multiple tumor foci had formed from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. Tumor foci consisted of a vascular structure, alveolar structure and solid proliferative area. The borders among these areas were not clear. Some neoplastic cells resembled a mature endothelium, while others were large pleomorphic cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were usually strongly positive for CD31 and often positive for PROX-1, the lymphatic endothelial cell marker. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a hemangiosarcoma with lymphatic differentiation.

Infiltrative Cutaneous Hemangiolipoma in a Goat

An approximately 4-year-old castrated male, Saanen cross goat presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation and removal of a 22 cm × 22 cm, dark red, thickened, and crusted cutaneous lesion along the left ventrolateral thorax. An initial incisional biopsy performed approximately 8 weeks earlier was suspicious for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. Surgical excision was deemed to be the most appropriate treatment option for this goat. A complete physical exam, complete blood count, and chemistry profile were performed and results were within normal limits. Thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were performed to rule out metastatic disease and comorbid conditions; no metastatic lesions or other abnormalities were observed. En bloc surgical excision of the affected skin was performed and the entire tissue was submitted for histopathology. A final diagnosis of cutaneous hemangiolipoma was reached upon extensive sectioning and histologic examination of the larger tissue specimen. The goat recovered well from surgery and has had no further complications up to 9 months postoperatively. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a hemangiolipoma in a goat and surgical excision for such lesions appears to be a viable treatment method.

Evaluation of Mast Cells in Dermal versus Subcutaneous Hemangiomas and Hemangiosarcomas in Dogs

This study investigated the role of mast cells in canine cutaneous vascular tumors, and is the first such study to distinguish between tumors arising in the dermis versus the subcutis. Mast cell numbers in canine cutaneous hemangiomas (HA) and hemangiosarcomas (HSA) were evaluated to identify a relationship between mast cells, tumor type (HA, HSA), histologic location (dermis, subcutis) and tumor recurrence. One hundred and sixty-seven biopsies from 148 dogs were evaluated. Using only one biopsy from each dog, mast cell counts (MCC) for each tumor (n = 148) were obtained by averaging the number of mast cells counted in ten 400× fields. A significant difference in mean MCC was found only between tumor types, with HA having more mast cells than HSA (4.2 ± 4.2 vs. 2.2 ± 2.6; p < 0.001). No significant difference in mean MCC existed between tumors that recurred and those that did not. There was no difference in recurrence rate between tumor type or histologic location. Our results indicate that benign HA contain more mast cells than malignant endothelial cell tumors, regardless of histologic location; whether this is a cause or effect relationship remains to be determined.

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in sheep.

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in sheep.