Liver & Biliary Tumours
Primary and metastatic tumours of the liver and bile duct system.
What is Liver & Biliary Tumours?
Primary liver tumours are less common than metastatic disease. The most common primary form is hepatocellular carcinoma, which frequently presents as a single large ('massive') lobe tumour that can be surgically removed with a good prognosis. Nodular and diffuse forms carry a worse outlook.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Vague reduced appetite and weight loss
- Abdominal distension
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Jaundice (with biliary tumours)
- Sudden collapse if a tumour ruptures and bleeds
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Senior dogs (typically 10+)
- Chronic liver disease or cirrhosis (rare risk factor in dogs)
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: unexplained weight loss, elevated liver enzymes on routine bloodwork, or a palpable abdominal mass.
- Seek urgent care if: pale gums, sudden weakness, or collapse — a bleeding liver mass is a surgical emergency.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosis uses bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound or CT, and biopsy. Surgical lobectomy of a single massive tumour can be curative for hepatocellular carcinoma. Chemotherapy is reserved for specific tumour types.