Research shows specific dog breeds predisposed to ‘aggressive … RVC researchers analysing VetCompass records have shown that specific dog breeds in the United Kingdom carry markedly higher odds of being diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma.

The analysis drew on 1,064,180 animals in the VetCompass programme and identified 788 dogs with clinically diagnosed haemangiosarcoma; the study was published in 2024 in PLOS ONE.

The study reported substantially increased odds ratios for several breeds compared with cross‑bred dogs: dogue de Bordeaux (9.56 times more likely), flat‑coated retriever (8.33), German shepherd dog (6.35) and Hungarian vizsla (5.49). In a subset of cases confirmed by histopathology, beagles were 4.42 times more likely to be diagnosed. Common signs of haemangiosarcoma in dogs include lethargy or weakness, reduced appetite, pale gums, exercise intolerance, and abdominal swelling, particularly due to internal bleeding with splenic or cardiac tumors.

Researchers emphasised the clinical severity of the tumour. The team described haemangiosarcoma as a “fast‑growing and often fatal cancer” and noted that affected animals “often present very unwell.” Symptoms can escalate quickly, with dogs sometimes experiencing sudden collapse, which adds urgency to the diagnosis. Sandra Guillen, senior veterinary oncology lecturer at the RVC, said: “This study highlights important patterns in the diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma in dogs across the UK, and the findings not only shed light on the epidemiology of this aggressive cancer, but also raise important questions about how demographic, geographic and socioeconomic factors shape canine health outcomes.”

Georgina Barry, canine epidemiologist at the RVC and lead author on the work, underlined the pressure of making a diagnosis in routine practice: “Haemangiosarcoma can be a challenging cancer to confidently diagnose in first opinion practice when timing is of the essence.” The report also notes the toll on owners: researchers said it can be “an incredibly emotional and distressing time for owners to make big decisions over their dog’s care.” Regular veterinary screenings tailored to high-risk breeds may help monitor health issues; owners should discuss appropriate monitoring strategies with their veterinarian.

The authors used anonymised electronic patient records collated through VetCompass to quantify how breed and other factors relate to clinical diagnosis in UK first‑opinion settings. The findings point to strong breed associations and to additional influences from demographic and geographic variables identified by the research team led at the RVC. In this VetCompass-based case–control study of dogs aged at least five years, 788 dogs with clinically diagnosed haemangiosarcoma were identified among 1,064,187 controls.

Veterinary commentary accompanying the release stressed that the breed odds are relative to cross‑bred dogs and were derived from cases presenting to routine clinical services. For further context on the disease and typical clinical presentation, the study aligns with veterinary summaries that describe haemangiosarcoma as an aggressive tumour affecting internal organs and often causing sudden deterioration, a point discussed in resources from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

RVC researchers said the results should inform both clinical awareness and further study into why some breeds show higher susceptibility. The paper’s publication in 2024 offers quantified estimates that clinicians, breeders and owners can weigh alongside individual clinical judgement when considering diagnosis and management.

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Original reporting: view the original article.