Types of liver cancer

• According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, primary liver cancers originate in the liver. This type of liver cancer usually occurs in dogs older than 10 years old. Metastatic liver cancer is one that originated from other organs and spread to the liver.
  
  

Symptoms

• Liver cancer symptoms can include jaundice, anemia, blood in stools, weight loss, appetite loss, pale gums and vomiting. The tumor may be big enough to be felt by probing the outside of the dog. He may have a distended stomach and exhibit pain.
  
  

Causes

• Natural Dog Health Remedies lists several possible causes of liver cancer in dogs including carcinogens in some commercial pet food (food additives, artificial coloring and flavors), certain pesticides and dyes.
  
  

Diagnosis

• If your vet suspects liver cancer in your dog, she may run tests such as abdominal ultrasound or X-rays, a liver biopsy, a blood count, clotting tests, urinalysis and a biochemical profile.
  
  

Prognosis

• If your dog has primary cancer that has not spread, the tumor could be removed. Natural Dog Health Remedies says in such a case, the prognosis for continued life could be one year after surgery--perhaps even several more years. Cancer that has spread or in which the tumor cannot be removed carries a poor prognosis.
  
  

Treatment

• Your vet may recommend chemotherapy for your dog, or natural remedies such as herbs or holistic treatments to help keep your dog comfortable. Your vet may also recommend your pet be treated with pain medication to relieve discomfort.