Hemoperitoneum in Dogs: New Hope for Canine Hemangiosarcoma Treatment
July 3, 2024
The prognosis for Hemoperitoneum in dogs has traditionally been bleak, often leading to euthanasia. However, groundbreaking prospective trials by Ethos Discovery are challenging these dire expectations. New findings reveal that not all cases result in aggressive cancer, offering renewed hope and better outcomes for these dogs. In this blog you will learn:
- About the advancements Ethos Discovery’s trials are making in the treatment and research for splenic tumors
- That 40% of dogs with splenic tumor ruptures are diagnosed with benign tumors, not cancer.
- How over 95% of dogs undergoing splenectomy in these studies survived
- About how preoperative ultrasounds may miss benign conditions, underscoring the need for updated staging guidelines.
When an older, large-breed dog suddenly becomes ill due to hemoperitoneum—the accumulation of blood in the abdominal cavity—it often results from the rupture of a splenic tumor. Historically, this has been a dire diagnosis, with many veterinarians and pet owners assuming a high likelihood of hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a common and aggressive form of cancer in dogs. This perception has led many to choose euthanasia over treatment. However, recent findings from prospective trials by Ethos Discovery offer new hope and a brighter outlook for these dogs.
Shifting Perceptions: Hemangiosarcoma Is Not Always a Death Sentence
For years, retrospective studies have reported an HSA prevalence of 68-96% in dogs presenting with hemoperitoneum due to splenic tumor rupture. These figures, derived from the retrospective review of old medical records, are prone to various biases such as missing data and selection bias. These limitations have likely contributed to the overestimation of HSA prevalence, leading to a more pessimistic view of the prognosis.
Groundbreaking Prospective Studies
Ethos Discovery has conducted two significant prospective trials: the Canine Hemangiosarcoma Molecular Profiling (CHAMP) study and the Ethos-PUSH (Precision medicine Umbrella Study for Hemangiosarcoma). These trials enrolled a combined total of 400 dogs and aimed to provide a clearer, unbiased picture of HSA prevalence and treatment outcomes.
Key Findings: A Brighter Prognosis
Lower Prevalence of HSA: The combined data from the CHAMP and Ethos-PUSH studies indicate a lower prevalence of HSA than previously thought, with 40% of dogs being diagnosed with benign (non-cancerous) tumors. This means that not all dogs with splenic tumor ruptures will have malignant disease and will be cured with surgery alone, offering a more optimistic perspective for pet owners and veterinarians.
High Survival Rates: In these trials, more than 95% of dogs survived to discharge following splenectomy. These results significantly exceed previously reported perioperative survival rates, which were as low as 70%.
Rapid Recovery: The average hospital stay was less than two days, indicating that dogs can recover quickly from surgery, further supporting the case for opting for surgical intervention over euthanasia.
The Limitations of Preoperative Staging
One of the critical insights from these studies is the limitation of preoperative abdominal ultrasound in accurately staging the disease. The data showed that less than 1/3 of liver nodules detected preoperatively were found to be metastasis, with the remaining 2/3 being confirmed as benign lesions. Additionally, metastases in the omentum (a layer of fat and blood vessels that covers the abdominal organs) were often missed in preoperative ultrasounds. These findings suggest the need for updated staging recommendations and caution against using ultrasound findings as the sole basis for treatment decisions.
Encouraging Treatment Over Euthanasia
Given these promising results, it’s essential for veterinarians to communicate the potential for positive outcomes to pet owners. The new data supports a more hopeful narrative:
- Not All Tumors Are Malignant: Many dogs with splenic tumor ruptures have benign conditions that can be cured with surgery alone.
- High Survival Rates: Most dogs survive the surgery and can return home within a couple of days.
- Ongoing Research and Trials: Owners should be encouraged to consider enrolling their dogs in clinical trials like Ethos-PUSH, which aim to cure HSA using genomically selected treatments based on comprehensive molecular profiling.
Following the Path of Pediatric Leukemia
The success story of pediatric leukemia, once a near-certain death sentence and now a highly treatable disease thanks to decades of research, serves as an inspiration. With continued research and collaborative efforts, we can hope for similar advancements in treating canine hemangiosarcoma.
Conclusion: A Call for Optimism and Action
The recent findings from Ethos Discovery’s prospective trials herald a new era of optimism for dogs diagnosed with hemoperitoneum. By challenging old perceptions and embracing new data, we can provide better care and hope for our beloved pets. Veterinarians and pet owners alike should take heart from these advancements, opting for treatment and further research participation over the once-common choice of euthanasia.
For more information and resources on these studies, visit Ethos Discovery. Let’s work together to turn the tide against hemangiosarcoma and improve the lives of our canine companions.