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When Should Liver Tumors in Dogs Be Removed?

also see Dogs and Tumors 

also see Liver Failure Dogs 

also see Dog Liver Disease 

also see Tumors Dogs 

also see Cat Tumor

also see Liver Cancer and Tumors in Dogs

There are two main types of cancerous liver tumors in dogs: primary and metastatic. Primary cancers develop directly in the liver, metastatic tumors spread from other cancerous organs or systems. Metastatic cancer is more common than primary.


Liver Tumor Removal

Primary liver tumors are often solitary masses and should be removed whenever feasible. Even if the tumor has spread throughout the liver, removal is possible and the prognosis guardedly good. Up to eighty percent of the liver can be removed without harm to the dog. If there is healthy tissue remaining after surgery, the liver will regenerate.

Benign liver tumors are not life threatening, but should be removed to prevent growth that could impact other organs.

Follow Up Care

Follow up care includes regular veterinary checkups and close monitoring of the dog for recurrence. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and abdominal swelling.

Liver tumors are closely associated with environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and cancer causing chemicals. Tumors are more common in dogs over the age of ten and females are slightly more at risk than males.

also see When Must Tumors in Dogs be Removed?

also see Dealing with Cancer: Dog Diet Recommendations

also see Plasmacytoma and Myelomas in Dogs

also see Pheochromocytomas and other Adrenal tumors

also see Leukemia in Dogs

also see Cancer and Tumors - Mammary Tumors

also see Lipoma and Sebaceous cysts

also see Cancer and Tumors in Dogs