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Dog Liver Cancer

Before discussing about dog liver cancer, let’s first understand about the functions of liver. Liver may be the largest organ responsible for performing a multitude of functions; some of which include body detoxification, neutralization of harmful toxins present inside the blood, fighting infections, aiding digestion by secreting bile juice and boosting immune system. 1 with the characteristic features of liver is that it can perform its normal functions, even if 60 – 70 percent with the total mass is affected by disease. While this feature benefits the pet so that it can function normally despite being in a diseased condition, it also indicates that liver disease is nicely advanced before the onset of any noticeable symptoms.

Any abnormality within the cells and/or tissues of liver can cause liver disease. As liver functions as a biochemical active center, it’s susceptible to developing a wide range of diseases viz., infections, cancer and degenerative disease. Almost all dogs are at risk to developing liver disease, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Let’s discuss in brief about dog liver cancer, its symptoms and treatment options.

Causes and Symptoms

Dog liver cancer can be caused due to ingestion of toxic chemicals, heavy metals and exposure to carcinogens. After the pet dog consumes these toxic chemicals, they pass liver for detoxification process, thus increasing the chances of developing liver cancer.

In dogs, you’ll find two kinds of liver cancer, namely, primary and secondary or metastatic tumors. Primary liver cancer is a lot more widespread that secondary type; it occurs due to presence of malignant tumors within the tissues of liver. Primary dog liver cancer has the potential to spread to other parts with the body. Secondary dog liver cancer, on the other hand, is caused due to spread of malignant tumors from other body organs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Since liver performs a wide range of functions, it truly is obvious that dog liver cancer will affect almost all of the other parts with the body. Hence, symptoms of liver cancer are usually vague and confused with other canine illnesses. The notable symptoms of dog liver cancer are loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal distension, stomach pain, gum troubles, difficulty in breathing or increased in respiratory rate and jaundice.

Diagnosis of dog liver cancer is done by physical examination with the pet and conducting liver biopsy. Increased level of bile within the blood or urine, at the same time as an enlarged or inflamed liver can be an indication of liver cancer with the pet. For confirmation, the veterinarian may conduct blood tests to be able to check for increased levels of enzymes such as Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase.

For treatment of primary liver cancer within the early stages, surgical removal with the affected liver lobe will be the most effective technique. Nonetheless, surgery is not recommended in case cancer has spread to multiple lobes. Regarding secondary dog liver cancer, the only treatment option is chemotherapy. The main objective behind the treatment of dog liver cancer is to improve the quality of life for the pet, but not to increase the lifespan. 1 can make the pet comfortable by feeding healthy dog foods, giving recommended doses of chemotherapy and taking proper care with the pet.

 

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