Heart tumors are a rare condition that affects middle-aged to older dogs. Their appearance is often sudden, and males are at a higher risk. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers also are more affected than other breeds.
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German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have a higher risk for heart tumors.
Cause
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The cause of myrocardial tumors is unknown. Approximately 40 to 60 percent of all heart tumors are diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma, a highly malignant tumor that forms in the lining of the heart's blood vessels.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of heart tumors vary depending on their location and whether they are benign or malignant. Heart tumors often produce murmurs, enlargement of the heart, sudden heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). These symptoms often result in pain, lethargy, poor appetite, wheezing and coughing.
Diagnosis
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An extensive physical exam including a blood-cell count, urinalysis, electrolyte panel, X-ray and ultrasound can diagnose the condition. Your vet may also use an electrocardiogram recording to determine any abnormalities in the function of electric currents in the heart.
Treatment
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Surgically removing benign heart tumors usually cures the condition. When the tumor is malignant, this is still often recommended. Chemotherapy may then help to eradicate other tumors that have spread elsewhere.
Prognosis
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If the cancer is discovered early and removed, the chance of survival is often higher. Malignant tumors generally carry a poor prognosis, especially if the tumor is the result of hemangiosarcoma.
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