07/18/2026
🚨 HEMANGIOSARCOMA SUPPORT: HERE'S WHAT I’D CONSIDER FIRST
Hemangiosarcoma is one of the most heartbreaking cancers in dogs because it can grow quietly with no obvious warning.
It often affects the spleen or heart. A dog may eat, walk, and act normal, then suddenly become weak, pale, lethargic, or collapse from internal bleeding.
That is what happened to my dog, Hoochie.
He came with me to the clinic every day, yet I saw no clear warning. Then he became unusually tired and could not keep up running. Bloodwork showed severe anemia. Imaging found a large splenic mass. It was hemangiosarcoma.
I removed his spleen and the tumor, but the cancer had already spread. Twenty-one days later, he collapsed from a massive internal bleed.
Please watch for:
• Sudden lethargy
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Collapse
• Not keeping up on walks
• Sudden exercise intolerance
• Anemia
• Distended belly
• Sudden decline after seeming normal
If your dog collapses, has pale gums, becomes suddenly weak, or you suspect internal bleeding, go to emergency care. Do not wait.
Golden Retrievers are especially high-risk. Estimates suggest up to 1 in 5 Goldens may die from hemangiosarcoma. Be aware, not terrified.
Early detection is the big challenge. Research is looking at trained dogs that may smell cancer compounds and biomarkers that may one day help screen high-risk dogs earlier.
If a splenic mass is found, surgery may be considered if your dog is stable.
But if my dog were diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, these are the supportive options I would discuss right away:
1. Yunnan Baiyao
This is one I would strongly consider for internal bleeding support.
Dose: 1 capsule per 50 lbs, once daily minimum. Twice daily if possible.
2. Ketogenic-style diet
The goal is to reduce glucose availability, since many cancer cells use glucose as fuel.
Example for a 50 lb dog:
• 1 lb regular ground beef daily
• MCT oil, start with 1 tsp daily
• Broccoli, 1/2 cup daily
• Ground flax, 1 tbsp daily
For broccoli: chop or crush it, let it sit 5 minutes, then lightly steam. Do not turn it into green mush. We are feeding nutrients, not sadness.
3. Krill oil / Omega-3s
For inflammation and cancer support.
Dose: 500 mg krill oil per 25 lbs daily.
4. CBD / Cannabinoids
For pain, inflammation, appetite, comfort, and possible cancer support.
CBD dose: 3 mg per 10 lbs, twice daily minimum.
This can be increased up to 5x if needed.
THC, where legal and with caution: start at 0.05 mg per lb.
5. Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract
Look for a quality extract from the fruiting body, not just mycelium grown on grain.
Dose: 100 mg per 10 lbs, twice daily.
Can be increased up to 5x because it has a wide safety margin.
6. 95% Curcumin
For anti-inflammatory and cancer-supportive effects.
Dose: 50 to 100 mg per 10 lbs daily. Give with fat.
7. Artemisinin
May be especially interesting because hemangiosarcoma is tied to blood vessel tissue and iron.
Dose: 5 mg per 10 lbs daily.
8. Fenbendazole / Panacur
This is a trial option I would consider.
Dose: 50 mg/kg daily, 3 days on, 4 days off. Repeat for 1 month, then reassess.
These are not cures. They are support.
The goal is comfort, less inflammation, bleeding support, and more good days.
If this were your dog, wouldn’t you want to know every supportive option before the crisis happens?