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Hepatocellular Adenoma in Dogs

Hepatocellular adenoma is a benign tumor of the liver that stems from an over-growth of epithelial cells, which are used for secretion in the body. Fortunately, this tumor is quite rare in dogs, usually affecting dogs over 10 years of age.

Symptoms and Types

Mostly no symptoms are obvious in affected animals, though a rupture of a tumor mass may result in blood accumulation in the abdomen. The following are symptoms of hepatocellular in dogs:

• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite

Causes

The exact cause is currently unknown.

Diagnosis

Your dog’s veterinarian will take a detailed history from you and perform a complete physical examination. Routine laboratory testing includes a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, where results are usually normal. In few animals these results may show anemia and abnormally high levels of liver enzymes. Radiographic studies may show a mass in the liver. Similarly, ultrasonography helps in diagnosis, revealing masses, hemorrhage, and other abnormalities.

Your veterinarian will also take a small sample of the tumor mass under ultrasound guidance. After processing, your veterinarian will observe the sample under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.