Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors) in Dogs

Digg

Del.icio.us

Stumble

Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors) in Dogs

By: Dr. Erika De Papp

Pages 1 2 3

5 6

Section: Veterinary Care In-depth

Diagnosis In-depth

A thorough history and physical exam are important in order to establish a diagnostic plan. Since the clinical signs of hepatic neoplasia can be quite vague, the physical exam is an important diagnostic tool. Many animals with hepatic neoplasia have an enlarged liver or a palpable mass in the abdomen. Free fluid in the abdominal cavity can also be recognized on physical exam, which may be an indication of bleeding into the abdomen or other fluid accumulation that is sometimes seen with liver disease. Physical exam may also suggest anemia (low red blood cell count) or reveal jaundice based on the appearance of the mucous membranes (gums, whites of the eyes).

Complete blood count. The CBC evaluates the red and white blood cells, as well as the platelets. Dogs with liver neoplasia may be anemic, especially if they have had internal bleeding.

Red blood cell morphology (shape) may also be affected with certain tumor types. Elevations of the white blood cell count may also be noted, but this is a non-specific finding. Atypical or cancerous white blood cells may be seen in animals with hemolymphatic neoplasia. Animals that have had internal bleeding may also have reduced platelet numbers, as platelets are necessary for normal blood clotting and may be consumed when bleeding occurs.

Biochemical profile. The biochemical profile provides important information with respect to the liver. The enzymes produced by the liver are often elevated with hepatic neoplasia. Additionally, liver function can be partially assessed by measuring albumin (a blood protein made by the liver), blood sugar, bilirubin (a breakdown product of red blood cells that may be elevated with liver dysfunction, which results in jaundice), cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen (a substance made in the liver from metabolism of protein). All of these parameters are measured on the biochemical profile. It is important to note however that abnormalities in these measurements can be seen with any type of liver disease and are not specific indicators of neoplasia.

Abdominal radiographs. Radiographs provide good information with respect to liver size and the presence of masses in the abdomen. Small masses may not be seen with routine radiographs. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen can also be noted on radiographs.

Thoracic radiographs. Radiographs of the thorax are important in cases where neoplasia is suspected, as the lungs are a common site of metastasis for many tumor types. Although metastatic disease can be present without showing up on the radiographs, the presence of metastasis in the lungs that is noted radiographically indicates that the disease has definitely spread to the lungs.

Abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound often complements the findings on abdominal radiographs. It is a more sensitive means of examining the liver architecture. Additionally, it may be able to detect smaller masses, as well as evidence of locally enlarged lymph nodes and abnormalities in other abdominal organs. It is not as good at judging liver size compared to radiographs.

Coagulation profile. Tests of clotting function are imperative in animals with liver disease. The liver is responsible for making the vast majority of the body's clotting factors, so with liver dysfunction clotting can be abnormal. It is not common for animals with primary liver tumors to have defects in clotting ability, although it is important to test this prior to any invasive diagnostics, in order to assess the risk of bleeding. Additionally, if the tests are abnormal, specific therapy may be indicated.

Liver biopsy. Biopsy of the liver is necessary to make a diagnosis of hepatic neoplasia. Appearance of the liver alone is not a reliable method of diagnosis of neoplasia. With certain types of neoplasia, most notably the hemolymphatic cancers, diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration and cytologic analysis (microscopic evaluation of the cells). However in the majority of cases, actual liver tissue must be obtained for microscopic review. This is important because an erroneous diagnosis of liver cancer might otherwise be made. The method used to obtain the biopsy may vary depending on the stability of the patient as well as the appearance of the masses associated with the liver and whether or not there appears to be multi-organ involvement. Biopsies may be obtained via ultrasound guidance, in which the abdomen is not opened; laparoscopy, using a small scope and biopsy instrument that are placed into the abdominal cavity; or abdominal surgery.

Pages 1 2 3

5 6

Printable Version

Digg

Del.icio.us

Stumble

Share this Article with a Friend Email To:

Have a Pet Question?

Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
and His Staff of Veterinarians

Dr. Jon's Newsletter

Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...

Search Over 15,000 articles

1 Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma) in Dogs
Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that involves the lymphoid system of dogs. In a healthy dog, the lymphoid system is an important part of the body’s immune system defense against infectious...
Read More
2 Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels, and when these tumors rupture, serious internal bleeding can occur. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor...
Read More
3 Abdominal Ultrasound in Dogs
An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are...
Read More
4 Leukemia in Dogs
Leukemia is a type of cancer that results from the proliferation of cancerous blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia can be classified in many different ways, based on the specific type of blood cell...
Read More

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Dogs & Puppies

Dog Breeds

labrador retriever, golden retriever, yorkshire terriers, german shepherds, beagle, boxers

Dog Medication

dog allergy medication, dog pain medication, dog anxiety medication, dog flea medication

Dog Products

dog bowls, dog crates, dog toys, dog beds, dog ramps, dog food storage, dog tags

Dog Symptoms

dog vomiting, dog limping, dog diarrhea, dog bad breath, dog coughing, dog seizures

Dog Health

dog cancer, dog diabetes, dog epilepsy, dog hip dysplasia, dog health, sick dog

Dog Care

dog vaccination, dog microchipping, dog grooming, dog neutering, dog spaying, dogs mating

Dog Training

dog aggression, dog barking, dog chewing, dog behavior, dog jumping, dog whisperer

Dog Pictures

puppy pictures, funny dogs, cute dogs, dog breeds, sleeping dogs, silly dogs, small dogs

Cats

Cat Breeds

persian, siamese cats, devon rex, ragdoll cats, sphynx, maine coon cat

Cat Medication

cat flea medication, cat heartworm control, cat tick medications

Cat Products

cat litter box, cat food, cat bed, cat flea collar, cat carrier, cat urine odor

Cat Symptoms

cat vomiting, cat limping, cat diarrhea, cat bad breath, cat coughing

Cat Health

cat health, cat liver cancer, cat diabetes, cat scratch fever, cat aids, sick cat

Cat Care

cat vaccination, cat grooming, cat microchipping, cat neutering, cat spaying

Cat Behavior

cat urine marking, cat furniture scratching, cat litterbox training, cat toilet training, cat fears

Cat Pictures

cute cats, funny cats, playful cats, fat cats, jumping cats, lazy cats, sleeping cats, cute kittens

1Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels, and when these tumors rupture, serious internal bleeding can occur. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor...
Read More
2Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma) in Dogs
Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that involves the lymphoid system of dogs. In a healthy dog, the lymphoid system is an important part of the body’s immune system defense against infectious...
Read More
3Abdominal Ultrasound in Dogs
An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are...
Read More
4Leukemia in Dogs
Leukemia is a type of cancer that results from the proliferation of cancerous blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia can be classified in many different ways, based on the specific type of blood cell...
Read More

Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors) in Dogs

Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors) in Dogs

Related Articles

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles