Liver Tumors in Dogs

Liver tumors in dogs are not uncommon, especially in ones middle-aged or older. These tumors are usually benign, but they can often become dangerous for the animal's health. The tumor itself is a cancer, which is why one may hear a veterinarian use the words cancer, neoplasm or neoplasia when describing a tumor.

A tumor that originates in the liver can result in neoplasia. Neoplasia can also be the result of metastatic cancer. This results from cancer that has spread to the liver from another organ in the body. Metastatic cancer is also the most common form of liver cancer for a dog, because it is very rare for a tumor to originate in the liver.

Symptoms of Liver Tumors

There are some key signs to watch for when checking to see if your dog has developed a tumor in the liver.

  • The most noticeable signs are weight loss or decreased appetite.
  • Your dog may also begin to vomit or have abdominal distension.
  • He may begin to have difficulty breathing, resulting in an increased respiratory rate.
  • You should also check the gums for any abnormal paling.
  • The skin should be thoroughly checked for jaundice, which can be seen if there is a yellow discoloration.

If more than one of these signs are seen in your dog then you should start investigating further. A tumor in the liver can be treated, but it has to be caught early enough for the treatment to be successful.

Diagnosing Liver Tumors in Dogs

Having a thorough medical history of your dog's health on hand is especially important. This history should include all background symptoms the animal has had over the years, along with any possible incidents where the dog may have suffered an injury to the abdominal region. You should get a complete blood count performed.

A biochemistry analysis and a urinalysis will also assist with determining if your dog is suffering from a tumor in the liver. There are medical techniques that make it easy to spot a tumor, such as ultrasonography imaging. This imaging will show if there are any abnormalities on the liver. In extreme cases a sampling of the liver tissue may need to be taken for examination.

Causes of Dog Tumors of the Liver

Carcinogens are cancer-causing chemicals that can often increase the chances of cancer developing. These carcinogens are often found in toxins created by fungi. Fungi is known to grow on various foods and plants, such as expired dog food, pesticides, and wilting plants in the garden. You should always make sure that your dog is not consuming anything unnatural for its usual diet. There is also a greater increase in tumors in the liver of dogs older than 10 years old. This is further increased in male dogs rather than female dogs.

Treatment for Liver Tumors in Dogs

A tumor in the liver of a dog is a serious medical matter. They usually will remain benign, but there are times when surgery is required. Some blood transfusions may be required to stabilize the animal's system. The key is to try and catch the development of the cancer prior to it becoming a serious condition. Always watch your dog and monitor it for any abnormal changes in behavior.

 

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