Canine Liver Cancer

Liver cancer in dogs arises as either a primary cancer, which means the tumor originates in the liver known as hepatocellular carcinoma, or it is a secondary metastatic tumor that manifests from cancer in another region of the body that has spread to the liver. Primary liver cancer tends to develop in dogs over 10 years of age. Metastatic liver cancer can strike a dog at any age.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dogs affected by liver cancer will generally appear to be ill. They will suffer loss of appetite and lethargy. Jaundice may occur. Vomiting is common, with excessive urination. They may exhibit nonstop thirst. As the cancer overtakes the liver, the dog may show signs of encephalopathy (swelling of the brain) from widespread toxins in the system because of the liver's inability to function properly. The dog may have seizures and appear disoriented. Once encephalopathy occurs, the dog usually dies quickly after collapsing and lapsing into a comma. Unfortunately, liver cancer is often extremely painful as it advances.

    Diagnosis

    • The veterinarian will evaluate all of the dog's symptoms. The liver often feels enlarged upon examination. The abdomen is often distended and filled with fluid. The veterinarian may order bloodwork to determine the levels of the dog's enzymes. Ultra sounds and X-rays will help determine if the tumor is primary or secondary. A needle biopsy may be performed to determine the exact type of liver cancer.

    Treatment of Primary Tumors

    • If the liver cancer is found to be primary and the entire liver is not involved, then surgery is an option. More than 50 percent of the liver can safely be removed and liver regeneration will occur, according to the Vet Surgery Central website.

    Treatment of Secondary Liver Tumors

    • Metastatic liver cancer is difficult to treat. Surgery is not effective because the origin of the tumor is located in another area of the dog's body such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract or lymph node system. Chemotherapy drugs are often prescribed, with limited success.

    Prognosis

    • A dog with primary liver cancer that has been surgically removed usually lives around one year but may survive several years, according to Pet Place. If the dog suffers from metastatic liver cancer, the prognosis is considerably grimmer, even with chemotherapy drugs.