Dog Hepatobiliary Tumors

Hepatobiliary tumors are tumors of the liver. They are rare in dogs and account for about 1.5% of tumors as primary tumors. As secondary tumors they appear more than 2.5 times more often than primary. The usual process is metastasis from the dog’s pancreas, spleen and GI tract. The liver tumors that are large masses and are confined to a specific liver lobe have a better prognosis. The nodular types involve many different lobes.

Half of the cases in dogs are primary hepatobiliary tumors. Hepatocellular adenoma is rare, as is heptoblastoma. Neither shows specific signs.

Some studies have shown that male dogs and the Miniature Schnauzer dog may be more apt to contract this type of tumor as a primary lesion. There are no other breed or sex predispositions that have been found so far in medical research.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatobiliary Tumors in Dogs

• Dog Loss of Appetite

• Dog Lethargy

• Dog Weight Loss

• Dog Vomiting

• Dog Increased Urination

• Dog Increased Thirst

• Fluid in the abdominal cavity

Some dogs may also have jaundice present in their eyes. This is a yellowish tint to the normally white part of a dog’s eye.

Diagnosis of Hepatobiliary Tumors in Dogs

Diagnostic procedures are many. Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans and MRI’s can be used to determine the presence of tumors on a dog’s liver. Determining the type of tumor and whether or not it involves more than one lobe is the biggest concern amongst veterinarians. Single lobes can be removed, but the nodular type that affects multiple lobes cannot be removed via surgery.

Fine needle biopsies may also be done under ultrasound to obtain specimens of the tumor and the contents for examination.

Blood tests are done because dogs with this type of tumor will usually have an elevated number of white blood cells; Dog Anemia may be present as well as an abnormally large amount of platelets.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment option for dogs is surgery if it is at all possible. The removal of the affected lobe of the liver has little complications associated with it. Recurrence has not been found to be seen in most of the studies that have been performed.

The outcome of surgery is positive after the lobectomy is done. Incidences of nodular tumors indicate a poor prognosis, as it involves multiple liver nodes and surgery cannot be performed.

Chemotherapy has not been particularly successful in treatment. Hormonal therapy, on the other hand, is being studied and is showing some promise. This will include the addition of tamoxifen and a form of targeted therapy.

A dog that is undergoing such treatment for hepatobiliary tumors should have a nutritious diet that consists of adequate amounts of antioxidants and Dog Omega Fatty Acids as well.

Suggested Products

Cancer Support Kit for Dogs
Nu-Pet Vitamin and Antioxidant Wafers
Multi Essential Dog Vitamins
Milk Thistle for Dog Liver Disease
Royal Coat EFA Express for Dogs
Blue Basics Turkey and Potato Recipe for Dogs