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

In early January 2025, my beloved cat Gigi was diagnosed with "hemangiosarcoma." Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can develop anywhere blood vessels are present.

At the time, what I felt most acutely was the lack of available information. While hemangiosarcoma is common in dogs, it is rare in cats. Because it can be difficult to find first-hand accounts, I would like to share the details of the diagnostic tests Gigi underwent and the costs involved.

My primary vet couldn't identify the cause

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

Because she suddenly began bleeding internally, my primary vet performed ultrasounds, blood tests, and X-rays to find the cause, but no tumors were found in her kidneys, liver, or spleen.

The only thing found was a mass near her intestines, but it couldn't be confirmed as a tumor. I was told it could also be a disease called "amyloidosis," where a type of protein deposits in the spaces between cells and tissues.

If it were amyloidosis, surgery would be ineffective and could even be fatal if the body suffered any minor impact; therefore, opening her abdomen without knowing the cause carried too much risk.

We decided to have a CT scan performed at a university hospital to pinpoint the cause.

The appointment at the university hospital was set for two days later. I was grateful that my primary vet was able to book it as soon as possible. Because there was a risk of further internal bleeding for Gigi, I wanted to avoid leaving her in a helpless state at home for too long.

The cost for the initial tests and treatment up to this point was 57,420 yen (including hospitalization and fluid drainage). It was expensive, but a small price to pay to save her life.

A case that left even university hospital doctors stumped

On Christmas Eve, we went to the university hospital. I was fully prepared for a CT scan, but since it requires general anesthesia, they decided to start with tests that could be performed without it to avoid the physical strain.

At that point, the possibilities being considered were a tumor, a forgotten piece of gauze from her spay surgery (though it seemed unlikely given how much time had passed), accidental ingestion, or some kind of infection.

Two hours into the testing, the doctor told me, "The tests we performed couldn't confirm it's a tumor." They had even tried inserting a needle to collect tissue samples, but no cells that could be definitively identified as tumor cells could be gathered.

Because Gigi has such a calm temperament, the doctor recommended and performed a non-anesthetized CT scan, but that only made the diagnosis more difficult. (This was done out of consideration to keep the cost down and the burden on her low.)

The CT showed a mass near the colon. However, since the needle biopsy didn't show signs of a tumor, it just left everyone wondering, "What is this...?"

Given these test results, the doctor said it was unlikely that even a CT scan with general anesthesia would provide a clear answer. They proceeded to list other suspected illnesses besides a tumor.

In the end, the only way to confirm if the mass near the intestines was a tumor was to perform an exploratory laparotomy (which can also involve treatment depending on the situation).

While the university hospital could perform the exploratory laparotomy, the earliest available date was three weeks away, so I decided to consult with my primary vet once more.

By the way, my appointment started around 9:00 AM and all tests weren't finished until about 4:30 PM, so if you visit a university hospital for similar symptoms, it’s best to take the day off work.

【Test Costs】102,510 yen (including 5,000 yen initial exam fee)

New Year's Eve spent looking for a hospital

After the visit to the university hospital, I went straight to my primary vet. Since the test results from the university hadn't arrived yet, I explained the situation, and they agreed to perform the exploratory laparotomy two days later. I cannot thank them enough for such a quick response.

【Surgery Costs】165,512 yen (including hospitalization and post-op food)

Because of the year-end holidays, she was discharged after three days. She seemed relatively energetic, so I hoped she would continue to recover, but what happened next was truly grueling...

On December 31st, she suddenly vomited while passing stool. She vomited twice more after that, and when I tried to find a vet, everywhere was closed for the holidays... I tried calling my primary vet, but couldn't reach them.

With the New Year approaching, my husband and I searched for local animal hospitals that might be open and called anyone who looked like they might see us. Thankfully, one hospital agreed to see her, so we rushed over.

However, all they could do was give her an anti-nausea injection. Gigi didn't improve and remained limp and listless.

【Treatment Costs】5,170 yen (including 3,000 yen for emergency visit and initial exam fee)

Total recovery costs exceeded 380,000 yen

I felt she might die if things continued this way. Desperate, I went the next day (New Year's Day) to an animal hospital in the city recommended by a follower. (Thank you so much.)

Because she had a fever, they diagnosed her with a possible infection causing intestinal inflammation and gave her antibiotic injections, subcutaneous fluids, and anti-nausea medication.

After that, she clearly improved and was able to eat little by little.

【Treatment Costs】14,080 yen (including 8,000 yen holiday visit fee and 1,000 yen initial exam fee)

However, a few days later, I noticed her chewing the air and looking like she wanted to eat but couldn't, so I took her back to her primary vet.

An ultrasound showed that the area of her intestine where the surgery took place was constricted (likely due to inflammation), so she was hospitalized. She was given IV fluids and antibiotics for two days.

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

The total cost for everything this time was 384,512 yen. I don't have pet insurance, so honestly, it was a very difficult expense; but with so much money flying out the window, I eventually went into a kind of "boost mode" just to keep going.

What I felt acutely was the importance of having savings for unexpected post-operative situations, not just the surgery and test fees themselves. I also reflected on my own shortcomings, thinking I should have found more animal hospitals to rely on for when my primary vet was closed, such as over the holidays.

Because hemangiosarcoma has a high risk of metastasis, follow-up observations are mandatory. Another ultrasound is waiting for us next month, so I will do my best to save up for the treatment costs!