When cancer of any type occurs in a dog, it can be devastating news for the owner. Learning the facts about canine liver cancer can help an owner come to terms with the diagnosis and provide the best quality of life possible for the pet.
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Causes
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Also known as hepatic neoplasia, liver cancer is most often caused by environmental factors such as exposure to carcinogens (which can be certain chemicals in dog food). (Reference 1)
Types
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Two common forms of liver tumors are primary and metastatic. Primary tumors occur initially in the liver tissue, and metastatic tumors occur when cancer has spread into the liver. (References 1, 2)
Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine liver cancer include a decreased appetite, vomiting, pale gums or jaundice, weakness, difficulty breathing and weight loss. (References 1, 2)
Diagnosis
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To diagnose liver cancer in a dog, the veterinarian will perform a physical exam, various blood tests, x-rays of the abdomen and chest and a biopsy of the liver. (References 1, 2)
Treatment
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Treating liver cancer in dogs involves medical stabilization (such as with intravenous fluids or blood transfusions), chemotherapy and surgery if the tumor is accessible. (References 1, 2)
Prognosis
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Life expectancy varies from a few months to several years, depending on the stage of cancer and whether the tumor is primary or metastatic (whether spreading of the cancer has occurred). (Reference 3)
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