Stage 4 Liver Cancer in Dogs

Stage 4 liver cancer is diagnosed when the cancerous tumors originated in the liver have spread to other organs. The stage of cancer when the malignant cells spread to other organs than the one they originated in, is called metastasis. Once metastasis occurs, the survival chances of the pet are dramatically diminished.

The Stages of Liver Cancer in Dogs

Cancer is diagnosed in stages, which are determined according to how advanced the tumors are. In liver cancer, the stage depends on how the liver is functioning. The four stages of liver cancer in dogs are:

• Stage 1, when there is only one tumor and the nearby tissues and vessels are not affected. The cancer is treatable through surgical removal.
• Stage 2, when there is more than one tumor, but none of them is larger than 5 centimeters. Cirrhosis has not occurred. Surgery is still an option, as is transplant or chemotherapy.
• Stage 3, when there are several tumors and they have reached more than 5 centimeters in size. The cancer has spread to major blood vessels, the lymph nodes or the gallbladder. Cirrhosis may be present. Surgery may be possible, but only if there is enough healthy liver tissue. Chemotherapy, transplant and radiation are possible.
• Stage 4 is the final stage of liver cancer, when the cancer has spread to vital organs, bones and lungs.

Symptoms of Stage 4 Liver Cancer in Dogs

The clinical signs of stage 4 liver cancer in dogs are as following:

• Feces are pale gray
• Urine is orange in color
• Jaundice (gums, tongue and skin have a yellow tinge)
• The belly becomes hard and swollen
• Abdominal pain
• Neurological and behavioral changes
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Drinking more water, urinating in excess
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dramatic weight loss

Diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver Cancer in Dogs

The veterinarian will examine your dog's abdomen to feel if there is fluid accumulation and check the skin for discoloration. Tests of liver function will also be performed. The veterinarian might need also to perform a CT scan, X-ray, bone scan and MRI scan. The final test is a liver biopsy.

Treatment of Stage 4 Liver Cancer in Dogs

Once stage 4 liver cancer is diagnosed, supportive therapy is recommended. In order to improve the blood flow to the liver and ease pain, the dog will have to have plenty of rest. Fluid therapy will correct the electrolyte balance, blood sugar and other metabolic problems, while a special diet will also be recommended.

Resection of the tumor and chemotherapy are also options. However, most veterinarians will advise against these because they can have side effects and may not improve the dog's life expectancy significantly.

For stage 4 liver cancer, most veterinarians will recommend palliative care, easing the dog's life, rather than continuing treatment, which may no longer be efficient. Herbal remedies may be of help in improving the quality of life of the dog.