Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and diagnosis after liver surgery for dogs with ruptured
By Reist, Alexandra M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2022·1BluePearl Seattle Veterinary Specialists·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Histopathologic findings and survival outcomes of dogs undergoing liver lobectomy as treatment for spontaneous hemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured liver mass: retrospective analysis of 200 cases (2012-2020).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 200 dogs with bleeding in the abdomen due to a ruptured liver mass underwent surgery to remove the affected liver lobe. The most common diagnoses were well-differentiated liver cancer and benign masses, with many dogs showing good long-term survival, averaging about 356 days after surgery. Factors like liver enzyme levels and whether the dog received a blood transfusion affected survival times. Overall, dogs diagnosed with well-differentiated liver cancer had the best outcomes, living over two years on average after surgery.
People also search for: dog liver mass surgery · bleeding in abdomen in dogs · liver cancer prognosis in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of histopathologic diagnoses in a large population of dogs undergoing surgical treatment for spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured liver mass. Additionally, to describe survival outcomes and assess for prognostic factors for overall survival time in this population. ANIMALS: 200 client-owned dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum resulting from a liver mass. PROCEDURES: Medical records from 19 veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, blood work, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, surgical methods, intraoperative and postoperative complications, outcomes, and histopathologic findings. Follow-up information was obtained by contacting the referring veterinarian or owner. RESULTS: Well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, benign masses, hemangiosarcoma, and other malignant tumors accounted for 36% (72/200), 27.5% (55/200), 25.5% (51/200), and 11% (22/200) of cases, respectively. Overall survival time for all dogs was 356 days and for the above categories was 897 days, 905 days, 45 days, and 109 days, respectively. Prognostic factors for survival included diagnosis, increased ALT, anemia, and whether a transfusion was received. Overall survival time in dogs with increased ALT was 644 versus 63 days with normal values. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The majority of dogs (63.5%) were diagnosed with well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma or a benign process, resulting in favorable long-term survival. The distribution of histopathology for ruptured liver masses resulting in hemoperitoneum has not been previously reported and may be useful for client discussions prior to surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36355453/