02/23/2024
Daisy is a 12-year-old, historically healthy patient that presented to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital on February 5th for a sudden onset of lethargy and decreased activity. Physical exam, bloodwork, and ultrasound findings contributed to a diagnosis of a liver mass as the cause of Daisy’s condition. A 6.5 x 9 cm tumor within the left medial liver lobe and secondary peritoneal effusion was identified on ultrasound. Dogs can present with a myriad of symptoms attributable to liver tumors, so a detailed physical exam and diagnostic work up is imperative for proper diagnosis. We are grateful that her astute owner pursued evaluation of Daisy despite vague and acute symptoms.
Surgery for certain liver tumors results in significantly improved survival times for patients. It is the treatment of choice for large, solitary liver tumors. Dogs have six liver lobes, and the left division of the liver is more amenable to surgical removal. Dogs tolerate removal of a large portion of their liver, and the remaining portion of their liver can grow to achieve almost normal capacity within 6-8 weeks. With a solitary tumor affecting a majority of a single lobe, liver lobectomy is often performed.
Most hepatocellular tumors in dogs are associated with a good prognosis following removal, even if malignant. Hepatocellular carcinomas are associated with low metastatic rates (less than 5% at time of surgery), low chance for recurrence (less than 6% of cases) and, in our opinion, incredible median survival times. Following surgical removal, typical median survival times for hepatocellular carcinomas are greater than 4 years!
Daisy underwent anesthesia for exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy. Her condition remained stable in the perioperative period and is recovering well. Biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. We expect Daisy to fully recover and return to normal life as a pet and a therapy dog.
About Daisy from her owner:
Daisy is a 12-year-old Aussiedoodle who lives with her owner and her ‘sister', a Westie named Bridget. Soon after the dogs and their owner moved to a senior living community recently, her owner discovered that Daisy has an innate affinity for older people, especially those who are impaired in some way. She shows endless affection for them when her owner takes her to the long-term and memory care residence where they live, and Daisy's friends look forward to her weekly visits. Here are Daisy and Bridget with their owner and then Daisy with some of her dear friends, whom she visits almost every week.
