Feline Hemangiosarcoma Chemotherapy

Feline hemangiosarcoma is a rare cancer that originates in the blood vessels. In most cases, the hemangiosarcoma can be surgically removed and may be followed up with chemotherapy.

  1. Function

    • Chemotherapy works to target the rapid division of cancerous cells while sparing the healthy blood cells.

    Types of Chemotherapy

    • Doxorubicine,Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine are chemotherapy drugs used to treat hemangiosarcoma. Doxorubicin can be used alone or combined with Cyclophosphamine or Vincristine.

    Chemotherapy Administration

    • Doxorubicine and Vincristine are administered intravenously. Cyclophosphamide is available in 25 or 50 mg tablets.

    Side Effects

    • Chemotherapy side effects include skin irritation at the IV site, permanent loss of whiskers, upset stomach, compromised kidney function, cardiotoxicity, bone marrow toxicity, blood in the urine and constipation.

    Costs

    • Chemotherapy can cost $2,000 or more for three to six months of treatment.

    Prognosis After Chemotherapy

    • Feline hemangiosarcoma can be terminal if the hemangiosarcoma is visceral, in the cat's organs. If the hemangiosarcoma is subcutaneous, under the skin, surgery and chemotherapy may extend the cat's life, however there is a 60 percent chance the cancer will return.