Liver Cancer Symptoms in Dogs
- There are several warning signs for liver cancer in dogs.chien tres fatigu?? image by gilles vall??e from Fotolia.com
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of illness, seeking advice from a qualified veterinarian is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and start relevant treatment. Liver cancer is a fatal disease for dogs, so it's important to recognize the signs as early as possible to ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible for the remainder of his life. - Some dogs with liver cancer can suffer from digestive problems, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting or constipation. These symptoms alone are not a sign of liver cancer in dogs and can occur if your dog is simply suffering from an upset stomach. However, if your pet is sick for more than three days, have him checked out.
- Liver cancer can interrupt the flow of fluids around the abdomen. This can cause your dog to develop a swollen belly, also called ascites. According to online information resource Pet Education, a swollen abdomen might also be caused by an enlarged liver. This symptom causes distress in dogs.
- Sudden lethargy indicates that a dog is not feeling well. The dog might refuse to go for walks or play when previously it had been energetic. If this behaviour continues for more than three days, it's important to see a vet to determine the cause.
- Jaundice is caused by a substance called bilirubin. This is produced when the hemoglobin in red blood cells breaks down. This substance is then released in the bile. If the bile duct is blocked or the liver can't release the bile into the intestines, it stays in the body. An excess of bilirubin causes the skin, eyes and gums to develop a yellow hue. Although other symptoms of liver cancer could be attributed to different underlying conditions, jaundice is one of the signs that indicates the problem stems from the liver.
- Dogs with liver cancer often suffer from excessive thirst and urination. It might be hard to identify whether your dog is drinking more than usual, but take note of more frequent trips outside to urinate, or urination inside the house. This symptom can also be a sign of other serious conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Digestive Problems
Swollen Belly
Lethargy
Jaundice
Excessive Thirst
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