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Dog Liver Cancer

Veterinarian Reviewed on May 29, 2012 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Dog Liver Cancer

Taking your dog to the vet for regular checkups is very important as it not only can ensure that they are getting the care that they need but it also affords you and your vet an opportunity to detect any serious illness that your pet may have. Certain diseases can be life threatening if you do not detect them early on and liver cancer is one of them. The earlier you find out about it then the more chance your vet has of treating your dog successfully, as well as allowing your dog to have the greatest chance at surviving. It can be heartbreaking when your dog is ill and you will want to do everything you can to try and cure them.

What is Liver cancer?

Like many other forms of Dog Cancer, the cells in your dog’s body mutate and multiply, killing the healthy cells in their bodies. Often these cells will then form tumors which are the thing that can then harm your dog. If you do not catch this form of cancer very quickly then your dog is very likely to die from it. When a mass or tumor grows inside the liver it stops it from functioning properly and can also spread to other vital organs as well. Although this form of cancer is quite uncommon it can occur and you need to ensure that you keep on top of your dog’s health.

Symptoms of liver cancer

There are several non specific symptoms that can be linked to this form of cancer and these include Dog Loss of Appetite, Dog Increased Thirst, Dog Vomiting and tiredness. Your dog may also be experiencing Dog Increased Urination which is an indication that their liver is not working as well as it should. These are also signs of Dog Liver Disease. Your dog may be suffering from all of these or simply some of them and if you are worried or unsure then you should take them to a vet immediately as they will be able to determine what is wrong with your dog as well as creating the ideal treatment plan for your dog.

Diagnosis and the way forward

When you take your dog to the vet, they will run a series of tests including blood tests to determine what is wrong with him. Deficiency of red blood cells and high platelets will often indicate your dog has a liver problem. There may be other reasons as well, so the vet will take x-rays to determine if there is a mass in or around your dog’s liver. Ultrasounds are often used as well as these are effective and noninvasive to your dog. Your vet will then need to do a biopsy to determine what the mass is and if it is cancerous or not.

Treatment of liver cancer
Surgical treatments are the most effective with liver cancer and removing the problem is the first stage. There is however several side effects to having this done and you will need to decide if it is in the best interest to have the surgery. Radiation therapy is often performed on dogs with this form of cancer and can have good results. Whatever course of treatment you decide on, you will need to be quick in deciding as time is very important when your dog has cancer.

Read also: Dog Tick
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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