Risk factors for complications associated with canine hepatic mass resection: A study of 96 cases

To identify pre- and intraoperative risk factors for complications occurring within 2 weeks following hepatic mass resection in dogs.

Retrospective case series.

A total of 96 client-owned dogs that underwent hepatic mass resection.

The evaluated preoperative variables were the signalment, clinical signs, presence of underlying diseases, blood test results (e.g., hematocrit), and computed tomography (CT) findings (mass location, maximum diameter, mass volume, and distance between the mass and the caudal vena cava [CVC]). The evaluated intraoperative variables were the surgical time, procedure details (e.g., surgical techniques), presence of intraoperative hypotension and hypoxemia, and blood transfusion. Comparisons were made between dogs with severe postoperative complications (including mortality) and those with mild or moderate complications. Univariable logistic regression was performed, and significant variables were used to construct multivariable models by combining them.

Severe postoperative complications were observed in 17 dogs (17.7%), including six deaths (6.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified the presence of underlying diseases (OR: 2.703; p = .007), corrected distance from the mass to the CVC (OR: 0.666 per 0.1 cm/kg increase; p = .017), and intraoperative hypotension (OR: 3.589; p = .019) as risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

Among preoperative variables, both the presence of underlying diseases and the corrected distance from the mass to the CVC were associated with severe postoperative complications.

Preoperative CT evaluation of the distance between the hepatic mass and the CVC, along with screening for underlying diseases, may contribute to improve the prediction of surgical risk.