The Kennel Club is set to host a free webinar aimed at dog owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals who want to learn more about haemangiosarcoma, a life-threatening cancer in dogs that originates in the cells lining blood vessels.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 August, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, featuring Dr. Mark Goodfellow, Head of Oncology at Davies Veterinary Specialists. Interested participants can register for the webinar through the provided link.

Understanding Haemangiosarcoma

Haemangiosarcoma manifests in various forms:

  • Cutaneous (on the skin)
  • Subcutaneous (under the skin)
  • Visceral (on organs such as the spleen and liver)

Symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s location and stage and may include loss of appetite, instability, weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. These symptoms can be subtle and often go unnoticed until the tumour spreads or ruptures, causing internal bleeding. Although any dog can develop haemangiosarcoma, it is more prevalent in middle-aged to older dogs, with a potential genetic predisposition in certain breeds.

Webinar Details and Agenda

The webinar will delve into current research findings, including causes, breed susceptibilities, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, possible treatment options, and future research directions. The session will include a one-hour presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A, allowing attendees to ask questions and share experiences. Questions can also be pre-submitted during registration.

The Kennel Club encourages all dog enthusiasts to watch its recent webinar on osteosarcoma, another common canine cancer. In this session, Professor Mark Dunning from the University of Nottingham discusses osteosarcoma research, and provides guidance on supporting affected dogs and their owners. This webinar and other health-focused content are available on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel.

Insights from The Kennel Club’s health data contribute to its Breed Health and Conservation plans. These plans provide breeders with information and guidance to ensure the future health of pedigree breeds. Developed from over 4,000 research papers, this project represents the most comprehensive review of pedigree health data globally.