Our oncology specialists understand that it's heartbreaking to receive a diagnosis of liver cancer for your dog. At Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, we use advanced diagnostics and treatments to give pets their very best chance of recovery from liver cancer.
Are all dogs' liver tumors cancerous?
Tumors found in a dog's liver are often found to be benign, and liver tumors that are cancerous tend to result from metastatic cancers located elsewhere in the dog's body that have spread to the liver. If your pup has been diagnosed with liver cancer it can mean either that your dog has actual liver cancer (which is relatively rare), or that your dog has another type of metastatic cancer that has spread to the liver.
What causes liver cancer in dogs?
It is difficult to determine the precise cause of any type of tumor. Often a combination of environmental and genetic factors are at play. At this time there is no known cause of liver cancer in dogs, but research is ongoing.
That said, most cases of liver cancer are seen in dogs over nine years of age.
What is hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tends to be the most common type of primary liver cancer found in dogs (cancer that originates from the liver), but there are a few other cancers that can also be found in the liver, including bile duct carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor, and mesenchymal sarcoma.
What forms of Hepatocellular Carcinoma are typically found in dogs?
Diffuse
If your dog is diagnosed with diffuse liver cancer it means that tumors are seen throughout the entire liver of your pet.
Nodular
If your dog's liver cancer is described as nodular, there are several masses spread throughout your pup's liver.
Massive
A massive tumor is a single large tumor in the dog's liver. This description does not necessarily relate to the size of the tumor but simply means that there is a single significant tumor within your dog's liver, rather than multiple tumors.
Massive tumors are the most common form of hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs and tend to have a somewhat lower rate of metastasis than either nodular or diffuse tumors. Massive HCC tumors may also be easier to remove. Nonetheless, pet parents need to be aware that left untreated, all forms of primary liver cancer will metastasize to other parts of the dog's body.
What is metastatic cancer of the liver?
If your pup is diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the liver it means that the cancer found in your dog's liver has spread from somewhere else in your dog's body. In dogs, some of the most common cancers that can lead to metastatic liver cancer are hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, intestinal carcinoma, thyroid cancer, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, transitional cell sarcoma, mammary carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer.
Are some dogs more susceptible to liver cancer?
Liver cancer is most often diagnosed in older dogs but is also seen in younger dogs. While hepatocellular carcinoma has not been linked to any specific breed, breeds that are predisposed to other types of cancer that can metastasize to the liver include Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs?
Liver cancer in dogs is often asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease. Sadly this means that by the time symptoms become evident the disease is fairly progressed. Taking your dog for routine wellness exams twice a year may help your vet to spot the early signs of liver abnormalities through unusual bloodwork results, liver enlargement or abdominal pain on palpation. However, the lack of early symptoms makes this condition very difficult to detect before it becomes more progressed. Signs of liver cancer in dogs can include:
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow eyes, skin and gums)
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Increased urination
- Weakness
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How is liver cancer diagnosed in dogs?
If your vet believes that your dog could have liver cancer, they may run lab tests to look for signs of liver dysfunction such as a urine sample test, diagnostic imaging tests including radiographs or ultrasounds, or a biopsy or a needle aspiration of the liver to look for cancerous cells.
If your dog is diagnosed with liver cancer your vet will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan for your dog’s condition.
How long do dogs with liver cancer live?
Although receiving a diagnosis of primary liver cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma for your dog sounds like a terrible diagnosis, remarkably the liver is capable of regenerating. This means that even if a large portion of the liver is surgically removed it can rebuild itself.
Another important point for pet parents to note is that massive hepatocellular carcinoma tumors grow slowly. This may give your vet time to remove the affected parts of the liver and increase your dog's chances of a full recovery!
When it comes to liver cancer in dogs, surgery to remove the tumor is generally the most effective treatment. Dogs diagnosed with massive liver tumors which are then surgically removed, have a good prognosis and life expectancy that can extend to years following treatment.
Sadly, however, many malignant tumors such as nodular or diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma tumors and tumors from metastasized cancer cannot be removed and life expectancy is usually around 3-6 months. Chemotherapy can sometimes help to delay the progression of cancer but is unlikely to offer a cure. If your dog is diagnosed with one of these types of cancer, your vet will work with you to decide how best to keep your dog comfortable.
Are there oncologists for dogs?
At Carolina Veterinary Specialists we offer veterinary oncology services for pets in Greensboro NC. Our team of specialists uses cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to provide dogs with cancer the best possible care, and support for the individuals and families that love them. Our Board-Certified Veterinary Oncologists will work closely with your primary vet and other specialists to ensure your dog receives the best possible cancer care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.