20/08/2026
🩺 **When a nail clip turns into something much more sinister…** 😬
This gorgeous big Bull Arab boy came in for what should have been a very straightforward nail clip.
Unfortunately, I had some much less pleasant news to deliver to his parents.
Those little **red blister-like lesions** on his skin are highly suspicious for **cutaneous haemangiosarcoma** — or **cHSA**, because that’s a *much* easier way to say it! 😂
🩸 **Cutaneous haemangiosarcoma is a type of blood vessel tumour that occurs in the skin.**
It can occur in any breed, but we see it more commonly in breeds such as **Boxers, Bull Terriers and Whippets**. It’s particularly associated with **pale-skinned dogs that love to sunbake**, as UV exposure can contribute to the development of these tumours.
The good news is that when cHSA is confined to the skin, **surgical removal can often be curative**. ❤️
However, dogs that have developed one are more likely to develop additional lesions, so keeping a close eye on their skin is really important.
☀️ **If you’ve got a professional sunbaker at home**, there are a few things you can do to help protect their skin:
🧴 Dog-safe sunscreen can be used on exposed areas
👕 UV-protective bodysuits (a bit like a human rashie) can help shield the skin
🌳 Providing plenty of shade and limiting intense sun exposure is always a good idea
And perhaps most importantly…
🔎 **Regular skin checks!**
Get into the habit of running your hands over your dog’s skin regularly, particularly as they get older. Anything new, unusual, growing, changing colour, bleeding or not healing properly deserves a veterinary check.
Sometimes even a simple nail clip can uncover something we really don’t want to find. ❤️🐾
