Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Ruby’s tale began with a routine checkup that unveiled some concerning numbers.
This spunky 11-year-old Golden Retriever mix seemed the picture of health. She had only visited the clinic for screening blood tests since she was getting older.
We were surprised when Ruby’s blood tests showed her liver enzymes were quite high. This discovery led us down a path filled with more tests and questions.
As we talk more about Ruby’s story, we’ll uncover the mysteries and challenges of liver cancer in dogs.
KEY POINTS
- Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer in dogs.
- Early detection and aggressive treatment can lead to a good outcome.
- Life expectancy for dogs with liver cancer depends on the type and stage it’s in when diagnosed.
Unexpected Findings
Ruby’s routine checkup took an unforeseen turn when her blood test results came back.
Ruby’s ALT liver enzyme was much higher than normal. This can happen for many reasons, including toxins, genetic diseases and liver cancer. So, we needed to look into it more.
Ruby’s owners were surprised but agreed to further testing to home in on the cause of the problem.
Diagnostic Journey
Following the surprising blood test results, we needed to do more diagnostic tests.
First, we did X-rays of Ruby’s belly to see if her liver was enlarged. Then, we did a bile acids test in two parts to check her liver function. Both tests came back normal.
However, the ultrasound revealed a critical clue: Ruby had a mass in one liver lobe. While liver tumors in dogs can be benign, Ruby’s elevated liver enzymes suggested a deeper issue. We proceeded with a biopsy of the mass to determine the exact nature of the growth.
Ruby’s journey shows how complex it is to diagnose liver issues in dogs. Often, vets need to do many tests to fully understand the problem.
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Diagnosis: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
A few days later, the biopsy results brought clarity to Ruby’s condition.
She was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is the most common form of primary liver cancer in dogs.
HCC originates from the liver cells themselves and can grow in any part of the liver. This type of cancer can manifest in different forms and sizes, and in Ruby’s case, it presented as a single mass.
Understanding the specific nature of the cancer helped us determine the best course of treatment.
Types of HCC Liver Cancer in Dogs
In dogs, HCC liver cancer can present in three main forms: massive, nodular, and diffuse.
| Form | Description | Surgical Options | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massive | Larger tumor in one liver lobe. | Often good candidates for surgical removal. | Generally has the best prognosis after surgery. |
| Nodular | Multiple smaller tumors. | More complex to remove due to distribution. | Varies depending on spread and removal success. |
| Diffuse | Widespread throughout the liver. | Not suitable for surgery. | Most challenging to treat, generally poorer prognosis. |
Ruby’s Treatment Path
With the diagnosis of massive hepatocellular carcinoma, we moved swiftly to Ruby’s treatment plan.
The first step was to take chest X-rays to make sure the cancer hadn’t already spread to her lungs. Thankfully, these came back clear. This positive result made her a good candidate for surgical removal of the liver mass.
The surgery was successful in removing the tumor. However, the surgeon couldn’t remove as much tissue as they wanted because of where the tumor was.
Ruby recovered quickly, setting the stage for the next treatment phase: chemotherapy. The goal of chemotherapy was to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This would reduce the risk of the mass regrowing.
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Chemotherapy and Beyond
Chemotherapy doesn’t work well for many cases of primary liver cancer.
But in this case, the oncologist thought it was worth trying metronomic chemotherapy after surgery. (1) This approach uses a lower-than-normal dose of chemo drugs to prevent the growth of any cancer cells left behind by surgery. Ruby’s owners decided to proceed with treatment.
Ruby did well with her chemo and didn’t experience any serious side effects.
She visited the oncologist regularly for blood tests and liver scans to check if her tumor had come back.
Ruby’s Life After Treatment
Thanks to Ruby’s good attitude and her owner’s diligent care, Ruby was back to her fun-loving antics after her treatment.
The life expectancy for dogs with surgically removed hepatocellular carcinoma can be 4 years or longer in many cases. (2) This statistic reflects Ruby’s own journey.
Ruby’s story shows us two things. First, how important treatment is. Second, that dogs can still have a good life after it. This should give hope to dog owners in similar situations.
FAQs
What are the early signs of liver cancer in dogs?
Early liver cancer signs in dogs include decreased hunger, throwing up, diarrhea, and being tired. Later, they might develop a big belly, drink and urinate more, and get yellow eyes and gums.
Can liver cancer in dogs be prevented?
We can’t fully stop liver cancer in dogs. However, a good diet, regular vet visits, and avoiding toxins can lower the risk.
How is liver cancer in dogs treated?
Treatment options depend on the cancer type and stage. They may include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and supportive care. The best approach often involves a combination of these treatments.
What is the prognosis for dogs with liver cancer?
The prognosis varies depending on the cancer type, size, and treatment effectiveness. Dogs with a single hepatocellular carcinoma that is fully removed often do well. They usually live more than 4 years after treatment. (3)
Helpful Resources
If your dog is diagnosed with liver cancer, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Here are some resources and chat groups where you can get more information and connect with other dog owners.
- The National Canine Cancer Foundation
- Veterinary oncologist Dr. Sue Ettinger’s YouTube channel
- Dog cancer support group on Facebook
