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One of the basic characteristics of the liver is its functional reserve power to continue performing despite being affected by liver disease. Like other liver diseases in dogs , liver cancer too is usually diagnosed well after the disease has taken it roots and progressed to dangerous levels. Diagnosing canine and feline liver diseases , including liver cancer requires a comprehensive approach.

Liver, being closely associated with other organs in the body, demonstrates symptoms that mimic diseases of organs. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs are subtle and vary as the disease progresses.

Primary liver cancer is less common than secondary cancer that originates from elsewhere in the body. Liver has a dual blood supply - one through the portal vein and the other through the hepatic artery. While the liver needs this extra supply to perform its multiple functions, it also means that it is exposed to a greater risk of cancer cells that can reach it from distant organs that have spread in the blood stream.

Liver disease in dogs can occur at any age. In younger dogs and puppies there is a greater possibility of liver shunt, toxicity and viral diseases. In older dogs, Inflammation and cancer is more likely than other conditions. Even though liver cancer does not show specific symptoms, severity of the following symptoms requires further investigation to rule out prevalence of malignancy:

• The most common symptom is poor or loss of appetite. Anorexia (poor appetite) often leads to a weight loss and improper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins further complicates an already complex situation. Poor appetite also causes anemia. Anemia can also be caused by disease in liver cells.
• Increase in urination accompanied by excessive drinking of water is usually confused as being related to other diseases like Diabetes and kidney diseases but is one of the important indications of prevalence of liver cancer.
• A tumor prevents the secretion of normal bilary pigments into the intestines. This leads to light colored feces.
• Coagulation of blood is one of the important functions of the liver. Liver cancer can inhibit this function and cause bleeding problems.
• If the tumor is big enough, it can be felt by probing the region from outside. A distended stomach and abdominal pain also indicate liver cancer.
• In severe conditions, liver cancer leads to jaundice. If the mucous membranes are yellowish or the dog is passing Orange colored urine, it is a sure signal of jaundice and should be taken for examination to rule out cancer.

The liver is crucial to breaking down toxins. If the liver has primary or secondary cancer, the Malignancy restricts its detoxification processes letting out toxicity in the blood stream. When this toxicity reaches the brain it may cause behavioral changes related to the Nervous system, such as Seizures, circling and tilting of the head. Watch out for these symptoms especially after meals.

It may be difficult but an early detection of liver cancer means that half the battle is won. The liver cells can regenerate to a great degree if they are provided with high quality supportive diet. Increasing the survival time may not be possible but you can at least provide comfort and a good quality of life to your pet.

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Last 5 posts in Dogs & Puppies

• Symptoms of liver disease in dogs - May 6th, 2008
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• Garlic and Your Pets - May 2nd, 2008
• Jaundice - one of the primary signs of liver failure in dogs - May 1st, 2008

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