My beloved cat has "hemangiosarcoma"... The actual cost and tests involved in tumor removal

My beloved cat, Jiji, was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in early January 2025. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can occur anywhere blood vessels are present.

At that time, I keenly felt the lack of information. Hemangiosarcoma is common in dogs, but rare in cats. It can be difficult to find accounts from those who have experienced it, so this time I will share the details of the examinations conducted until the definitive diagnosis and the costs involved.

The cause could not be identified by our regular veterinarian

The full story of how Jiji’s hemangiosarcoma was discovered is detailed in the essay below.

Since there was sudden bleeding in her abdomen, our regular veterinarian performed an ultrasound, blood tests, and X-rays to find the cause, but no tumor-like masses were found in her kidneys, liver, or spleen.

The only finding was a tumor-like mass near her intestine, but it couldn't be definitively identified as a tumor. We were told there was a possibility of amyloidosis, a disease caused by the deposition of a type of protein in the spaces between cells and tissues.

If it was amyloidosis, surgery would be ineffective, and even a minor impact could be fatal, so opening her abdomen without knowing the cause was risky.

So, it was decided that we would get a CT scan at the university hospital to identify the cause.

The appointment at the university hospital was scheduled for two days later. I was grateful that our regular veterinarian made the reservation as quickly as possible. In Jiji's case, there was a risk of re-bleeding in her abdomen, so we wanted to avoid spending a long time at home in a state where nothing could be done.

At this point, the cost of examinations and treatments was 57,420 yen (including hospitalization and ascites removal). It was expensive, but cheap considering her life was saved.

A case that even university hospital doctors struggled with

On Christmas Eve, we went to the university hospital. I was fully prepared for a CT scan, but CT scans require general anesthesia, so considering the burden, we first tried to find the cause with examinations that could be done without anesthesia.

At this point, the possibilities mentioned were a tumor, a forgotten surgical gauze during her spay surgery (though less likely due to the time elapsed), foreign body ingestion, or some kind of infection.

Two hours after the examinations began, the doctor told us, "The tests performed could not definitively confirm a tumor." We also had a biopsy done by inserting a needle into the mass to collect tissue, but no cells that could definitively confirm a tumor were collected, no matter how many times tissue was taken.

Since Jiji has a calm personality, the doctor recommended a CT scan without anesthesia, which we accepted, but this made the diagnosis even more difficult. (This was done to reduce the burden and cost by not using anesthesia.)

The CT scan showed a tumor-like mass around the large intestine. However, since the biopsy did not show a tumor reaction, it made us wonder even more, "What is this...?"

Given these test results, the doctor said that even with a CT scan requiring general anesthesia, the chances of identifying the cause were low. He then told us about other suspicious diseases besides a tumor.

Ultimately, to definitively identify the mass near the intestine as a tumor, the only option left was exploratory laparotomy (with treatment also performed depending on the condition) to investigate the cause.

Exploratory laparotomy could be performed at the university hospital, but the earliest it could be done was in three weeks, so we decided to consult our regular veterinarian first.

By the way, for me, the consultation started around 9 AM and all examinations were finished around 4:30 PM, so if you are visiting a university hospital for similar symptoms, it is safer to take time off work.

【Examination fee】102,510 yen (including 5,000 yen for initial consultation)

New Year's Eve was spent searching for a hospital that could see us

After the university hospital visit, we went straight to our regular veterinarian. The test results from the university hospital had not yet arrived, so we explained the general findings. Then, an exploratory laparotomy was scheduled for two days later. I cannot express enough gratitude for this prompt response.

【Cost of surgery】165,512 yen (including hospitalization and post-operative food)

After the surgery, as the hospital would be closed for the New Year holidays, she was discharged after three days. She seemed relatively fine, and I thought she would recover, but then things got intense again...

On December 31st, she suddenly vomited during defecation. She vomited twice more afterward, and we searched for a veterinary clinic, but all were closed for the New Year holidays... We tried calling our regular veterinarian, but couldn't get through.

With the New Year approaching, my husband and I desperately searched for local veterinary clinics that might be open and called them. Fortunately, one clinic accepted us, so we rushed there.

However, all they could do there was give her an anti-vomiting injection. Jiji's condition didn't improve, and she remained sluggish.

【Treatment fee】5,170 yen (including 3,000 yen for after-hours consultation and initial consultation)

The cost of recovery exceeded 380,000 yen

I felt a sense of crisis, thinking she might die if things continued like this, so the next day (New Year's Day), I took her to a veterinary clinic in the city that a follower recommended (thank you so much).

There, she was diagnosed with a possible intestinal inflammation due to some kind of infection, as she had a fever, and received an antibiotic injection, subcutaneous fluid therapy, and an anti-vomiting injection.

After that, she clearly felt better and was able to eat a little.

【Treatment fee】14,080 yen (including 8,000 yen for holiday consultation and 1,000 yen for initial consultation)

However, a few days later, she was smacking her lips and seemed to want to eat but couldn't, so we went to our regular veterinarian.

An ultrasound showed that the area around her surgically repaired intestine was constricted (likely inflammation), so she was admitted for hospitalization. She received IV fluids and antibiotics for about two days.

【Treatment fee】39,820 yen (including hospitalization)

The total cost incurred this time was 384,512 yen. Since I don't have pet insurance, it was honestly a very tough expense, but so much money flew out that it felt like a boost mode after a while.

What I keenly realized was the importance of saving not just for surgery and examination fees, but also for unforeseen circumstances that might arise after surgery. Also, I regretted my shortcomings, wishing I had found more animal hospitals to rely on when my regular vet was closed or during the New Year holidays.

Since hemangiosarcoma has a high potential for metastasis, follow-up observation is essential. With another ultrasound scheduled for next month, I, her servant, will work hard to save up for her treatment!