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Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK have published crucial new findings identifying the frequency and key risk factors for canine haemangiosarcoma (HSA), a fast-growing and often fatal cancer of the blood vessels in dogs.
For Australian dog lovers, this study offers vital, evidence-based data to help owners and veterinarians better navigate the risks associated with this devastating disease.
The Strongest Risk Factor: Breed
The RVC’s VetCompass team analysed electronic health records from over one million dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. The most striking finding was the strong influence of breed on the risk of diagnosis.
The breeds identified as having the highest increased odds of being diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma were:
Breed Odds of Diagnosis (vs. average dog)
Dogue de Bordeaux 9.5 times the odds
Flat Coated Retriever 8.3 times the odds
German Shepherd 6.3 times the odds
Hungarian Vizsla 5.5 times the odds
Flat Coated Retriever 8.3 times the odds
German Shepherd 6.3 times the odds
Hungarian Vizsla 5.5 times the odds
The study, which collaborated with the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, also included a team of leading cancer epidemiologists and oncologists.
Age, Weight, and Other Key Findings
Haemangiosarcoma is a rapidly developing cancer that most often affects older dogs. Due to late-stage diagnoses, the disease carries extremely poor survival rates, often leading to heart-breaking decisions regarding euthanasia.
The RVC research confirmed several other important risk factors:
Significance for Australian Dog Owners
For owners of the identified high-risk breeds in Australia, this research provides critical awareness. Haemangiosarcoma is known as a 'silent killer' because internal tumours (most commonly found in the spleen or heart) can grow without obvious symptoms until they rupture, causing sudden collapse or severe illness—a medical emergency.
Dr. Georgie Barry, Canine Epidemiologist and lead author of the paper, highlighted the importance for first-opinion vets:
“Haemangiosarcoma can be a challenging cancer to confidently diagnose in first opinion practice when timing is of the essence... We hope these findings will support first opinion vets in guiding diagnoses to support owners and provide the most appropriate care for their canine patients in a timely manner.”
If you own a dog in one of the high-risk groups, especially as they enter their senior years, be vigilant for subtle signs like lethargy, decreased appetite, unexplained weakness, or pale gums.
Age, Weight, and Other Key Findings
Haemangiosarcoma is a rapidly developing cancer that most often affects older dogs. Due to late-stage diagnoses, the disease carries extremely poor survival rates, often leading to heart-breaking decisions regarding euthanasia.
The RVC research confirmed several other important risk factors:
- Age: Dogs aged 11 to 13 years were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed. The average age at first diagnosis was 10.5 years.
- Bodyweight: Dogs weighing more than 37.5kg were over four times at risk than those weighing between 7.5kg and 15kg. The average bodyweight of diagnosed dogs was 26.4kg.
- Sex/Neuter Status: Neutered females and neutered males were at a slightly increased risk compared to entire females, though the reason for this remains unclear.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Dogs attending clinics in the least deprived areas of the UK had 1.7x the odds of diagnosis compared to those in the most deprived areas. Researchers suggest this is likely associated with better access to veterinary care leading to diagnosis.
- Geographic Factors: Dogs from clinics in mixed urban/rural areas had slightly lower odds of diagnosis (0.7x the odds) compared to those from urban clinics.
Significance for Australian Dog Owners
For owners of the identified high-risk breeds in Australia, this research provides critical awareness. Haemangiosarcoma is known as a 'silent killer' because internal tumours (most commonly found in the spleen or heart) can grow without obvious symptoms until they rupture, causing sudden collapse or severe illness—a medical emergency.
Dr. Georgie Barry, Canine Epidemiologist and lead author of the paper, highlighted the importance for first-opinion vets:
“Haemangiosarcoma can be a challenging cancer to confidently diagnose in first opinion practice when timing is of the essence... We hope these findings will support first opinion vets in guiding diagnoses to support owners and provide the most appropriate care for their canine patients in a timely manner.”
If you own a dog in one of the high-risk groups, especially as they enter their senior years, be vigilant for subtle signs like lethargy, decreased appetite, unexplained weakness, or pale gums.
Discuss a proactive screening plan with your local Australian veterinarian, which may include regular blood tests or abdominal ultrasound checks.
References:
Study Reference:
Barry, G.J., O’Neill, D.G., Guillén, A. et al. Epidemiology of haemangiosarcoma diagnosed in dogs under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom: Frequency and risk factors. Vet. Oncol. 2, 26 (2025).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-025-00041-4
Full Paper Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s44356-025-00041-4
Funding: This study was funded by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Collaborators:
The research team included Professor David Brodbelt, Professor of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine; Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology; Dr College Taylor, Cancer Epidemiologist; Dr Georgie Barry, Canine Epidemiologist; and Dr Sandra Guillen, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Oncology at the RVC.
References:
Study Reference:
Barry, G.J., O’Neill, D.G., Guillén, A. et al. Epidemiology of haemangiosarcoma diagnosed in dogs under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom: Frequency and risk factors. Vet. Oncol. 2, 26 (2025).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-025-00041-4
Full Paper Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s44356-025-00041-4
Funding: This study was funded by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Collaborators:
The research team included Professor David Brodbelt, Professor of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine; Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology; Dr College Taylor, Cancer Epidemiologist; Dr Georgie Barry, Canine Epidemiologist; and Dr Sandra Guillen, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Oncology at the RVC.
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