Removal of hemangiosarcoma in the tarsal region using a genicular axial pattern flap

Case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v19n10e1844

Keywords:

Cancer, malignancy, nodulectomy, reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant, invasive, and undifferentiated tumor of the vascular endothelium, characterized by a high metastatic potential—except in its cutaneous forms. Among species, it is most commonly observed in dogs, typically affecting older individuals at around 10 years of age. The primary factors contributing to the development of this tumor include genetic predisposition and excessive exposure to sunlight. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma may exhibit nonspecific clinical signs or may remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination following surgical excision of the tumor. The most effective treatment protocol involves surgical removal followed by chemotherapy. This report describes the case of a six-year-old male dog diagnosed with cutaneous HSA through histopathological analysis. Three surgical procedures were performed for nodule removal: nodulectomy, cryosurgery, and reconstructive nodulectomy using a genicular axial pattern flap. Despite the generally poor prognosis described in the literature, the patient remained in good health following the final surgery. These findings suggest that reconstructive surgery may be a beneficial approach for the recovery of dogs with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma.

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Published

2025-10-17

Issue

Section

Medicina veterinária

How to Cite

1.
Nunes Bento T, Soares Oliveira I, Fernandes LAL, Queiroz de Souza M, Zinezi Pimenta T, Kallena Jamar V. Removal of hemangiosarcoma in the tarsal region using a genicular axial pattern flap: Case report. Pubvet [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 17 [cited 2026 Oct. 20];19(10):e1844. Available from: https://ojs.pubvet.com.br/index.php/revista/article/view/4271