What should you know about hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs?

The tumour begins in liver cells. Some dogs show reduced appetite, weight loss, vomiting, increased thirst, tiredness, or a swollen abdomen; others are found to have a liver mass during imaging for another problem. A veterinarian may recommend blood tests, abdominal ultrasound or other imaging, and sampling of the mass when safe. These tests help distinguish a primary liver tumour from spread from another organ and show whether major vessels or nearby tissues are involved.

Ask a veterinary oncology team to explain the imaging findings, biopsy plan, and goals of care. A localised tumour may be considered for [Liver Resection](/treatments/surgical-oncology/liver-resection/). In selected situations, [Tumour Ablation](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-ablation/) or drug-based care such as [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) or [Targeted Therapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/targeted-therapy/) may be discussed. The plan should include pain control, nutrition, activity guidance, and monitoring for treatment effects.

Contact an emergency veterinarian for collapse, pale gums, sudden weakness, severe breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, a rapidly enlarging abdomen, or signs of severe pain. A liver tumour can bleed internally or interfere with liver function, so sudden deterioration should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask whether the mass appears primary or metastatic, whether it can be removed, what sampling is safest, how liver function will be supported, and which changes at home should prompt an emergency visit.