Identification

• Primary liver cancer in dogs is a rare condition. Primary liver cancer accounts for less than 2 percent of all liver cancers in dogs. This type of cancer is most commonly seen in older dogs (over 10 years of age), and occurs in males slightly more than females. According to petplace.com, the most common type of primary liver cancer that occurs in dogs is hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that come from cells within the liver.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms most commonly associated with primary liver cancer in dogs may include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), pale gums, weakness, vomiting, abdominal distension, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, weight loss and decreased appetite.
  
  

Causes

• Environmental factors are a cause of primary liver cancer in dogs. Exposure to carcinogens or chemicals may increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Toxins that are found in spoiled dog food, food additives, pesticides, toxic plants and certain dyes may become more dangerous and toxic to the dog once it is metabolized by the liver. Viral infections that have been shown to cause cancer in humans do not seem to cause liver cancer in dogs.
  
  

Diagnosis

• In order to diagnose primary liver cancer in dogs, your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and take a detailed medical history. Diagnostic tests such as a CBC (complete blood count), chest X-rays, an abdominal ultrasound and a biochemical profile may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a coagulation test (clotting) may be done as well as a liver biopsy.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for primary liver cancer in dogs may include stabilizing the dog with IV fluids and blood transfusions, removal of the tumor if possible and chemotherapy following surgery, depending on the type of tumor that is present. According to vetinfo.com, chemotherapy does prolong the life of the dog in most cases, usually four to eight months longer than dogs that were not treated with chemotherapy.
  
  

Prognosis

• The prognosis for malignant primary liver cancer in dogs is poor because most cancers that affect the liver are extremely aggressive and have the ability to spread quickly. Dogs that suffer from this condition are often very sick by the time of diagnosis. Primary tumors may metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body.