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Primary Hepatic Masses in Ten Dogs: A Retrospective Surgical Case Series
Carmen G Pérez-Santana1,2,3,4, Sara Cazorla-Rivero2,3,4, Enrique Rodríguez Grau-Bassas1
1Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Arucas, 35400 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Surgical resection of primary hepatic masses in dogs can be successful for both benign and malignant lesions. Outcomes vary, with some dogs experiencing long-term survival, but discrepancies in diagnosis highlight the need for careful assessment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Veterinary Oncology
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Primary hepatic masses in dogs present a diagnostic challenge due to their varied nature.
- Preoperative characterization of these lesions is often difficult.
- Surgical intervention is a key treatment modality for resectable hepatic masses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcomes of dogs with primary hepatic lesions treated surgically.
- To describe the histopathological diagnoses and survival times in dogs undergoing hepatic mass resection.
- To identify potential discrepancies between preoperative diagnostics and final histopathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for ten dogs with resectable primary hepatic lesions.
- Analysis of clinical data, imaging findings (abdominal ultrasound), histopathological diagnoses, surgical procedures, and follow-up information.
- Inclusion criteria required no evidence of extrahepatic metastasis.
Main Results:
- Histopathological diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma, nodular hyperplasia, sarcomas, and others. Lesion sizes varied significantly (3.3–18 cm).
- Cytological findings were discordant with histopathology in some cases, and ultrasound underestimated disease extent in two dogs.
- Two perioperative deaths occurred; however, surviving dogs showed improved clinical status, with survival times ranging from 4 to over 730 days, including those with malignant neoplasms.
Conclusions:
- Primary hepatic masses in dogs are heterogeneous, encompassing both benign and malignant conditions with variable outcomes.
- Discrepancies between preoperative assessments and definitive diagnoses highlight diagnostic challenges.
- Surgical resection can lead to favorable outcomes, including long-term survival, but findings should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.
