Hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers

Hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers: What Owners Should Know
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is something many Golden Retriever owners eventually hear about, and it’s one of the most researched health concerns in our breed. We recently experienced this firsthand with our own 11-year-old girl, Birdie — a dog who was still running, walking, and acting completely herself until the day her symptoms appeared. Sharing her story helps illustrate why this cancer is so difficult to detect early, and why awareness matters.

What Is Hemangiosarcoma?
Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that develops from the cells lining blood vessels. These tumors form internally — often on the spleen, heart (right atrium), or liver. Because they grow quietly and are filled with blood, most dogs show no signs at all until the tumor suddenly ruptures.
This was exactly the case with Birdie. She was energetic, eating well, and moving comfortably, right up until the day she suddenly coughed up blood — a sign that something was happening internally.

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