| Liver cancer in dog is a serious problem. As a pet | | | | lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, blood in stools, |
| owner, you should be aware of the causes, | | | | anemia, and jaundice are some of the symptoms of |
| symptoms, and the treatment options available to | | | | canine liver cancer. |
| treat this fatal disease. Let us take a look at all that | | | | Treating Dog Liver Cancer |
| and more in this article. | | | | Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are some of |
| Overview | | | | the treatment options available. If the tumor has not |
| Dog liver cancer can be primary or secondary. | | | | spread to multiple lobes, the vet might suggest |
| Primary tumors or neoplasms start in the liver itself, | | | | surgery. By surgically removing the cancerous part of |
| where secondary tumors spread from another part | | | | the liver, you can increase the lifespan of your dog |
| of the body. | | | | to a considerable extent. |
| Primary tumors include hepatocellular carcinoma, bile | | | | If the tumor has spread to multiple lobes, surgery is |
| duct carcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Secondary | | | | usually not considered the right option. In such cases, |
| tumors include myeloid (nonlymphoid), leukemias, | | | | chemotherapy is suggested. In case of primary liver |
| intestinal carcinomas, and pancreatic islet celltumors. | | | | cancer, chemotherapy is usually not suggested as the |
| Lymphoma and mast cell tumors may be primary or | | | | tumors are resistant to chemotherapy drugs. If the |
| secondary. | | | | tumors have metastasized from some other organ, |
| Diagnosis | | | | these drugs might be effective to some extent. |
| Diagnosis starts with a clinical examination which | | | | Herbal remedies can play a supportive role in liver |
| starts with palpation or touching of the body. A | | | | cancer in dog treatment. These remedies contain |
| veterinarian will also take x-rays or use a sonogram | | | | herbs which can improve the affected dog's immune |
| to observe the liver. The vet will look for imaging | | | | system and help its body cope with the side effects |
| abnormalities such as liver enlargement or lesions on | | | | of the disease. They also reduce the pain and |
| the liver. | | | | suffering involved in conventional cancer treatments |
| Laboratory tests can detect any elevated liver | | | | like chemotherapy and radiation. They could also be |
| enzymes or abnormal levels of bile acids. A biopsy or | | | | helpful in dogs where a decision not treat in made as |
| tissue sample taken with a needle will be helpful in | | | | part of a program to improve the quality of life as |
| identifying the specific type of cancer, a helpful step | | | | the disease progresses. |
| in identifying the specific treatment plan needed and | | | | Don't give anything to your dog without consulting a |
| how far the cancer has progressed. | | | | veterinarian. Most care decisions are based on the |
| Symptoms of Liver Cancer in Dog | | | | quality of life a dog will have and the cost of |
| Liver cancer in dog symptoms include vomiting, | | | | treatment. |