Hepatocellular carcinoma in a thirteen year old miniature Poodle

Abstract

A thirteen year old, castrated male Miniature Poodle was presented to Cornell University Hospital for Animals for evaluation of a large hepatic mass previously diagnosed via ultrasound. He had a one year history of polyuria, polydipsia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and cholesterol. On physical exam, the patient was hyperthermic and tachycardic, had a mildly enlarged abdomen, and had a large, firm, nodular mass in the cranial abdomen. Blood work was consistent with cholangiohepatopathy and thrombocytosis. A CT scan performed for surgical planning showed the mass arising from the right liver just caudal to the hilus and extending to mid-abdomen. The mass was surgically resected and submitted for histopathology. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was made. This report provides further details regarding diagnostics, treatment, and outcome, and discusses some differential diagnoses for hepatic tumors.