A Heart Tumor in a Flat Coated Retriever

Heart tumors are generally uncommon in dogs, but some breeds are predisposed to this condition. The flat coated retriever, in particular, is a breed known to be at increased risk for cardiac tumors, according to the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology. The highest incidence of such tumors however appears to occur in middle-aged to older dogs, typically between 7 and15 years old.

  1. Types of Heart Tumors

    • There are several types of cancers in dogs affecting the heart. The most common form is known as heart hemangiosarcoma. Flat coated retrievers, in particular, are prone to this type of tumor, which affects the cells that line blood vessels and that can cause bleeding tumors of the spleen, liver or heart. The next most common heart tumors affecting dogs are aortic body tumors, also known as chemodectoma.

    Signs of Heart Tumors

    • Increased tiredness may be a sign of heart problems.

      There are several signs suggesting your flat coated retriever may be suffering from a cardiac tumor. Some may be noticeable only by a veterinarian, whereas others can be visible to dog owners. Symptoms include: heart arrhythmia, heart murmurs, enlargement of the heart, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fainting, collapsing, exercise intolerance, lack of appetite, and a bloated abdomen, suggesting the accumulation of fluids due to a failing heart.

    Diagnosis of Heart Tumors

    • If a cardiac tumor is suspected in your flat coated retriever, your veterinarian will have to run several tests. Blood work will include a chemical blood profile and a complete blood count. A chest x-ray along with ultrasound imaging will help detect any abnormal masses in the heart. An electrocardiogram may help reveal any abnormalities with the electrical activity of the heart. Should a mass be detected, surgery may be required to collect a tissue sample for biopsy.

    Treatment of Heart Tumors

    • Surgery resection involves removing tumor tissue.

      Should diagnostic tests confirm your flat coated retriever is suffering from a heart tumor, surgery resection is often recommended. If the tumor is metastasizing, that is, spreading to other organs, chemotherapy may help control the metastastic spread. According to PetMD, the prognosis for most malignant myocardial tumors is guarded to poor.