Your dog was diagnosed with Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma (Right Atrial). Second most common site for HSA after spleen. Right atrium/auricular appendage is typical location. Often presents with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. May occur concurrently with splenic HSA. Compare 5 treatment options for dogs including Pericardiectomy + Auriculectomy + Adjuvant Chemotherapy, Pericardiectomy ± Tumour Debulking (No Chemotherapy), Pericardiocentesis + Palliative Care — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma (Right Atrial)
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma (Right Atrial)
Mesenchymal
About This Cancer
Cardiac hemangiosarcoma develops in the heart, most commonly in the right atrial appendage, where it arises from the same blood-vessel-lining cells as splenic hemangiosarcoma. The tumour often causes fluid to accumulate in the sac surrounding the heart (pericardial effusion), which can compress the heart and impair its ability to pump — a life-threatening condition called cardiac tamponade. This emergency frequently prompts the initial diagnosis. Cardiac hemangiosarcoma may occur as an isolated tumour or may be found alongside splenic hemangiosarcoma. Surgical access to the heart is more challenging than to the spleen, and complete tumour removal is often difficult, making the overall prognosis more guarded. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers are most commonly affected.
No standardised staging system exists for primary cardiac HSA. Prognosis is primarily influenced by resectability, metastatic status (concurrent splenic or other site involvement), and treatment approach.
Prognostic Factors(4)
Minimum Workup(6 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.