Canine cancer is a serious and prevalent issue that affects many of our beloved animal friends. Hemangiosarcoma is one of the deadliest forms of canine cancer.

In 2012, Morris Animal Foundation launched its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, designed to identify the risk factors for cancer and other major diseases in dogs. The Study’s primary endpoint is 500 cumulative diagnoses of four cancers – hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumour and osteosarcoma.

In April 2024, 10 years into the Study and nearing the Study’s defined endpoint, data shows a clear prevalence of hemangiosarcoma as the leading cause of cancer death. Of all dog deaths to date, 75% are cancer-related; of those cancer deaths, almost 70% are hemangiosarcoma.

This has led the Morris Animal Foundation to lead a new hemangiosarcoma Initiative to dedicate funding, people and resources to advance the prevention, detection and treatment of, and potentially cures for, this devastating cancer. 

The new initiative is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to dramatically change the story of hemangiosarcoma from one with an ending of almost certain death to one with a new beginning.