Liver Cancer in Dogs
by MissBerlee on Dec 21, 2008 with 20 Comments
All you need to know about the symptoms, prevention and treatments for liver cancer in dogs.
Liver cancer in dogs, also known as Hepatic Neoplasia is a nasty disease for dogs to have to go through. Neoplasia and tumors are practically the same thing and are generally as a result of the following three factors:
1. Primary liver tumor. This is very rare and only tends to happen in around 2% of all cases of dogs with liver cancer.
2. Hemolymphatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from either the lympatic tissues or the blood cells.
3. Metastatic. This is where the cancer has spread to the liver, but from other organs within the body.
The third factor is the most popular of all liver cancer in dog cases and is known as metastatic disease.
The cause of the rarest form of liver cancer – Primary liver tumors, is believed to be caused by some environmental factors. It has been proven that most dangerous chemicals are not actually dangerous until they reach the liver and they are metabolized, and this is where the exposure of certain things, for example, carcinogens, or chemicals that have been proven to have a link to cancer and cause certain types of cancer are at their most dangerous.
This rare form is generally only noticed in dogs that reach above a certain age, that age being around ten years old and the effect that the cancer has on the dog varies greatly as a result of many things. The type of tumor that is in the liver is just one of these things.
There are certain symptoms that you can look out for if you believe your dog may have liver cancer, and a few of these are: vomiting, gums that are pale in color, loss of weight and a decreased appetite. Jaundice is also another symptom, and a very common one. Unfortunately, most types of liver cancer, no matter where it stems from, has symptoms that are very alike to most other liver problems.
Before medication or treatment can occur in dogs that are believed to be suffering with liver cancer, it first has to be properly diagnosed and this generally involves a series of tests. Blood results have to be taken, a physical exam must take place and a biopsy may even have to happen. Radiographs, X-Rays and ultrasounds are also used in the diagnosis of this cancer within dogs.
The sort of treatment your dog could be looking at when faced with a primary cancer of the liver is very much similar to that of what us, as humans may have to have. Things like chemotherapy can take place, dependant, of course, on the type of tumor the dog has. The tumor could be removed where it is medically possible and safe to do so. Medication is also administered.
If your dog has metastatic cancer of the liver, and it has spread from other organs, it could still spread to other organs still, and this means that your dog could not be treated for his or her condition and therefore faces a terribly poor prognosis!
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Published in: Pets
Jamie Lee | Dec 22, 2008 | Reply
Hi, MissBerlee. Your article is very interesting and educational. I appreciate the information.
I’m new to Triond. Please read my article on how I came to be a dog lover and leave a comment. THANKS!!!
Gerard Preshur, 39 llewellyn lisburn, co antrim bt274ag preshurg@yahoo.co.uk | Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi my wee dog just passed away yesterday, she was a wee jack russel called Molly, she was only 6years old.
I never had a dog efore and loved her very mutch, she was my life, she was only ill for a week , the vet said she had liver cancer. it all happend very quick.
Not copeing at all, how can i survive this, please help.
Gerard.
Sarah | Apr 28, 2009 | Reply
I am not sure how you survive something as horrible as losing a pet, but you just do. You go through the pain, you cry, you grieve, but eventually, you find yourself at a place where it doesn’t rip your heart out to think of your pet, and then eventually, you find yourself at a place where you can recall fond memories of your pet.
I am very sorry you lost your dog, Molly. I lost my 14-year-old cat to kidney failure in December, and it was difficult, but trust me, it does hurt less as time moves on.
Cry, watch only comedic television – nothing remotely sad. Just let yourself grieve.
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss!
Bob | May 8, 2009 | Reply
My 12 year old Terrier mix was just diagnosed with liver cancer. He was so healthy and strong until just recently that we spent all our time worrying about our other mix who is 15 and has been ill for a few years. It’s hard to believe that Steve will pass before Snuffy. He was the sweetest dog we ever had and now I think of all the walks missed, the times I lost my temper with him, and how I sometimes ignored him as I went about my daily business. I hope I can make it up to him during the time he has left.
Nick | May 9, 2009 | Reply
Our 9 year old family dog was just put to sleep today. She was an affectionate adorable boxer that just happened to stroll into our lives 5 years ago. She was being treated for a bladder infection and when she developed other symptoms we had a series of blood work done. We got the call last evening to say she has hypothyroidism, which is what we were hoping for because it is manageable; however she also had cancer and they could not isolate it to one area. They knew it was affecting her liver and kidneys at this point. The vet stated there is nothing we can do. She stopped eating a few days ago and she wasn’t able to keep water down. This all happened within a matter of 10 days. Now she’s gone. It seems impossible that she could go from a happy go lucky dog to gone in 10 days. I feel guilty for my decision – I feel like I gave up on her. My children are upset but already talking about a new puppy and all the while all I can do is cry. It’s 2 am and I can’t sleep. All I can think about right now are those final moments of her life. I am glad my husband and I were with her when it happened. I could not stand the thought of leaving her alone, but yet I think I would be better off if I had not been there. It was peaceful and I am thankful for that. I am thankful that I was able to be there with her even though it is tearing me apart right now. I will always love her. Thank you for providing an outlet.
Melanie | May 12, 2009 | Reply
Yesterday, we received the news that our beloved golden retriever, Abby, has cancer on her liver.
she is 11 1/2 years old. She also had a tumor on her spleen and it was removed. We are now awaiting confirmation from the biopsies and should hear in about a week. Our vet has already told us that there isn’t much we can do but we will talk more after getting the results. Needless to say we are devastated. When you have a dog that is such a huge part of your life it seems you always think about how much you will miss them when they are gone. Now that time is even getting closer. It’s difficult to stop thinking about how it’s going to be without her rather than thinking about the good times we have left. She comes home this afternoon so once she is back in the house I hope that will be different. I just want to focus on making the rest of her life the happiest it can be. The vet said a year at the longest but probably more like 6 months. But who knows. She is one of those dogs that everyone loves. She has the sweetest most loyal dispositions. We take her everywhere with us. She was a loyal and loving companion to my Dad who passed away with Alzheimers last year. I can’t imagine the void we are going to feel in our lives. To Nick: A few days have passed and I’m hoping you are beginning to feel some peace. I always thought having a pet put to sleep was one of the most difficult decisions but I am so thankful we have that option so they don’t have to suffer. I will be in your shoes in the future and my heart goes out to you. Thanks to all on this site for sharing your thoughts and stories about your pets. And thanks for the outlet.
MissBerlee | May 21, 2009 | Reply
I was really sorry to hear about all of you that had lost dogs to this awful disease. I am also glad that you found my article helpful to you and gave you a place to talk about the situations that you had gone through. I am currently in the process of writing more articles on this theme and I hope that you find these helpful as well.
Many thanks to all of you and your heartbreaking comments xxx
GLR | May 25, 2009 | Reply
My friend’s dog has liver cancer that I believe was spread from another organ. About 6 months ago or so she had her spleen removed & one of the signs was internal bleeding with the distended abdomen. The dog went through the surgery and treatment – chemotherapy. Just a couple nights ago my b/f and I took the doggy on a walk and she just seemed so happy and strong! This morning we got a call from our friend that the doggy is bleeding again and that there is a tumor on her liver – basically saying she can go any minute. We went to visit – she seemed happy, is still eating, etc. but just a bit less energetic. I find it hard to believe that she can die; my b/f & our friend were basically saying their goodbyes, her owner is of course distraught…..the vet had suggested putting her down but that was too soon for her owner. This is all very difficult – however, she did live 6 months longer than what was expected, which was only 1 month after the initial surgery. I can’t believe how quickly this hits. I’m still keeping good thoughts and energy for this doggy’s recovery. I’m sorry to hear about all the other losses – I don’t do well with this, whether it’s my companion animal or someone else’s – I just wish that when it is time to go that it will be peaceful…take care everyone.
Su | Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
I have such empathy for you all.We found out 3 weeks ago our ‘baby’ has liver cancer, a secondary from a lump we found on her leg 5 months ago and had removed. The hardest thing is knowing when the time has come. She has a couple of days when she is lethargic and won’t eat which leaves us to think today we may have to make the call and then she improves and wags her tail for a walk. When she has a ‘bad’ day we feel guilty that we’re being selfish by keeping her going.
we’re trying hard to enjoy the good times and make sure she knows we love her even if we don’t get it quite right
Brenda | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Hi ,My little maltese dog Chloe had her spleen removed 12months ago because of a tumor attached to it.We thought all would be ok but today she is having surgery again as the vet found another lump in her stomach and she also has a lump on her front leg which he will also remove today.She is 11 years old but is as playful as a puppy the only signs we had that all was not well was her refusing her food and her belly was a little swollen and the lump on her leg doubled in size within 3 months so we decided to get her checked out by the vet just to be safe.I just received the phone call from the vet to tell me that her liver is not good and he has sent a sample away,He tells me that he cannot remove the tumor and that the one on her leg was the same as the tumor in her liver. I could tell by his voice that my little one is in big trouble I am shattered.. I now have to wait a few days until we get the results back.what a horrible few days ahead of me . I don’t want to think the worst but in my heart I know what is coming.I have just read all of your stories and it broke my heart but at the same time I felt that there are people out there who know how I am feeling right now .I just couldn’t stand it if I hear one more person say to me that it is only a dog She is my companion and friend and has always been my little Chloe .I have to go now a little cry might help …
stacy | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
I just read your post..so sorry for your loss. Our 6 year old lab only has a few days to live, similar to what you went through. We just found out two weeks ago that he too has liver cancer. The late stages to make things worse. I am devastated to say the least but watching him lay down most of the day, seeing his stomach so swollen, tells me that the best thing to do is set him free.
Brenda | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi , last night I finally got the results on Chloe’s tests…not good news. The vet has told me to prepare myself as she only has a few weeks left .The cancer is so advanced and they suspect that it is also on her lungs.I cried most of the night and really don’t know what to do, I just can’t help it .It has all hapened so fast and she really doesn’t look like she is going to die.I feel like I am in a bad nightmare and just wish it would stop.I am going to miss her so much today I took her for a walk in her doggy pram and she really enjoyed it .I am going to make her last few weeks with me as happy as I can for her.She loves prawns and fish so that is what she had for dinner no more dog food for her she can have whaever she wants now.She really enjoyed her dinner which was good as her apetite is not the best.tomorrow we will go to the beach and have ice cream another favorite.We live in a beach area and she loves to go to the beach.Take care everyone my heart goes out to you all .
Brenda | Aug 12, 2009 | Reply
Hi stacey
My heart goes out to you and I hope your pain eases soon.All the best….
birthday | Sep 29, 2009 | Reply
I have an 11 year old golden retriver who has cancer on the liver and spleen, she is suffering big times, lost weight, lost the joy of liv ing, lost her appetite, so we got the call tonight that there is nothing the vet can do so we decided on Friday Oct. 2 to let her go, tough week to go through but we hate to see her suffer and so sad, cried a lot and will cry for the rest of the week.
paulette leblanc | Sep 29, 2009 | Reply
I have an 11 year old golden retriver who has cancer on the liver and spleen, she is suffering big times, lost weight, lost the joy of liv ing, lost her appetite, so we got the call tonight that there is nothing the vet can do so we decided on Friday Oct. 2 to let her go, tough week to go through but we hate to see her suffer and so sad, cried a lot and will cry for the rest of the week.
Susan Bischof | Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
My best friend who is a maltese, Trevor, passed away on Sat., Oct. 10, 2009. We had flown to San Francisco for the weekend and I had boarded him at a new Pet Paradise. I had gone and taken a tour of the place and visited it and it was great. Was so impressed with this place. They had just opened up here in my town. He was so happy to go when I dropped him off there on Thursday. I called on Friday and Sat to check on him. He had been out playing on Sat and about 15 minutes after I had called they went to check on him and he was lifeless in his kennel with his head laying on his bed. They picked him up and rushed him to the ER but he died in route. He lost his battle with live cancer. He was 9 years old; we had found out 18 months prior that he had it; we were given two years that we would probably have with him. We wanted more than what we got. He never complained; we never knew he was in any pain whatsoever. He was in the vet on Wed. before he was boarded on Thursday and had a physical and was great. You just never know when the time comes. I had cried all weekend and all day as we dug to buy my best friend in my back yard. I will miss him terribly. He was my baby and my best friend. Suzy
Maureen | Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
My Golden Retriever is 11 years old. Has always been very
healthy. Loves swimming, walks etc. Over the last month
started losing appetite, some diarrhea, some vomiting and has
gotten progressively worse. Also he is very lethargic. It is
heart breaking. Went to vet today, told him money was tight and asked him to do blood work and physical exam. He did
and said he suspects neoplasia of spleen but said ultrasound
would be necessary to confirm, then perhaps a biopsy. I just
can’t afford it. He gave me 2 antibiotics and pepcid to see if
we can stimulate appetite so Sunny will be more comfortable.
I will do this for a couple of days but, what I’m worried about is
that he isn’t eating anything and I’m sure this is painful. Any
suggestions would be welcomed. Vet said I might want to think of putting him to sleep. This is so painful but I don’t want
my Sunny in pain.
M. Taylor | Oct 19, 2009 | Reply
Our Cocker Spaniel is 10 years old, started to lose her appetite
and became very lethargic. after Four weeks of treatment at the Vet,we found out today that she has Liver cancer and rather than see her suffer Bonnie will be put to sleep Tomorrow. all the family are devastated. Tonight my Wife and Son are sleeping beside her and comforting her as much as possible, The pain in our hearts at her side tomorrow will be unbearable. God bless our Bonnie
Nat | Oct 22, 2009 | Reply
All these stories are so sad & we are all looking at this site for the same reason! My beautiful springer has the diagnosis of primary liver cancer – he has had one lobe of his liver removed and now we are just waiting waiting waiting…… No one has given us a time frame yet, just monitoring his symptoms & blood results. Nat
Jennie | Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
I have just found out my 12 year old boxer has liver cancer and it is making her have fits too….today I have noticed her tummy is swollen….i wont let her sufer…but its so hard to make that decision…i love her to bits xx