Introduction

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), known as angiosarcoma or malignant hemangioendothelioma, is a highly malignant and invasive variety of endothelial neoplasm, occurring almost especially in dogs. It has been reported that all organs and tissues of the body may show metastases.

Objectives

The purpose of the case is to describe the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of a golden retriever with multicentric hemangiosarcoma.

Methods

A ten-year-old golden retriever male dog with an anamnesis of weakness and anorexia was suddenly dead. After necropsy, tissues were processed routinely, stained histochemically and immunohistochemically.

Results

Biochemical parameters showed no significant changes. Macroscopically, nodular masses in varying sizes from 2 mm to 30 mm, with bright red to dark brown color drew attention in subdermal tissues and muscles, omentum, mesenterium, intestines, pancreas, spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenals, lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, heart, diaphragm and central nervous system. Microscopically, the neoplastic masses were composed of endothelial cells which had highly hypo/hyper-chromatic nucleus and pale cytoplasm, had spindle and/or ovoid shape. These cells showed vascular clefts and papillar extensions.

Conclusions

It is common knowledge that the tumor is seen in large breeds, especially multicentric form. Contrary to other literatures, even though the nervous system was affected in the dog, no specific clinical signs were noted in our case.