Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and risks after right liver lobe removal in 70 dogs
By Foster, Haley D et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2026·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with right divisional hepatic lobectomies in 70 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 70 dogs with liver masses underwent surgery to remove part of their liver. Many experienced complications during the procedure, with over half needing extra care, and about 21% required blood transfusions. However, no dogs died during surgery, and the overall risk of dying shortly after was lower than expected. The most common liver issue was hepatocellular carcinoma, and while survival rates varied, many dogs lived for at least a year after surgery. This suggests that while there are risks, the surgery can still be a viable option for dogs with liver tumors.
People also search for: dog liver surgery complications · hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs · dog blood transfusion after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and prognostic variables associated with survival and complications in dogs undergoing right divisional hepatic lobectomies. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: A total of 70 client-owned dogs with right divisional hepatic masses. METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing right divisional hepatic lobectomies and partial lobectomies from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2022 were reviewed and key variables were extracted. Univariable logistic regression estimated effects of risk factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated overall survival times (OST) and median survival times (MST). RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred in 38/70 (54.3%) dogs. A total of 15 dogs (21.4%) required blood transfusions. No surgical method was associated with intraoperative (p = .566), immediate postoperative (p = .756), or short-term complications (p = .799). Perioperative mortality risk was 2.9% and 30-day mortality risk was 12.1%. There were differences in survival based on the requirement for advanced hemodynamic support (p = .004). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most common diagnosis at 52.9%. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates for dogs with HCC were 77%, 55%, and 12%, respectively, with 35.3%, 48.8%, and 65.8% lost to follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 years. CONCLUSION: Right divisional hepatic lobectomies were associated with a high intraoperative complication risk, with 21% of dogs requiring blood transfusions; however, no intraoperative deaths occurred. No surgical method was associated with greater risk of complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite high intraoperative complication risks, right divisional lobectomy and partial lobectomy may carry a lower risk of perioperative mortality than previously considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40762420/