Liver Cancer and Liver Tumors in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Examinations, Surgeries, Treatment Methods, and Improvement TipsThe Power of Immunity to Overcome Liver Cancer

Cancer types that occur in a cat’s liver include hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocellular carcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma.

Additionally, cancer originating in other organs can metastasize to the liver, in which case it is termed metastatic liver cancer. Although these are all malignant cancers with generally poor prognoses, it is believed that engaging the immune system can improve the cat’s overall condition, maintain quality of life (QOL), and help recover its energy and appetite.
In fact, there have been many instances where cancer was controlled through immune measures using Cordy.

This page summarizes the causes, symptoms, treatments, and tips for improvement or remission of liver cancer and liver tumors. Many examples of improvements are also introduced. We hope that this information can serve as a source of support and hope for everyone.

What is Liver Cancer, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Liver Tumors in Cats?

When symptoms like those listed below appear, the liver cancer may already be advanced.

Types of Liver Cancer – Liver Cancer and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cats

Cancer that originates in the liver itself is called “primary liver cancer,” while cancer that has metastasized to the liver from other organs is referred to as “metastatic liver cancer.”

Primary Liver Cancer – Cat Cancer & Hepatocellular Carcinoma

There are mainly four types of primary liver cancers in dogs and cats. The most common is hepatocellular carcinoma, accounting for about half of primary liver cancers.

Metastatic Liver Cancer – Cat Cancer & Liver Tumors

The liver, being an organ where blood gathers, frequently becomes a host for metastatic liver cancer, where cancer from other parts of the body transfers to the liver.

For instance, cancers originating in the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas might metastasize to the liver. There are also cases where mammary tumors (breast cancer) and lung cancer metastasize to the liver.
It’s quite common for angiosarcoma, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, mastocytoma, and melanoma to transfer to the liver.
When tumors from other organs metastasize to the liver, it is referred to as metastatic liver cancer.

Causes of Liver Cancer – Cat Liver Cancer

Causes of Primary Liver Cancer

The liver acts as a chemical factory, detoxifying toxins within the body.

When various carcinogens such as pesticides, medications (long-term use of anticancer drugs, antibiotics, steroids), preservatives, colorings, additives, paints, chemicals, exhaust gases, and detergents enter the body, the liver works hard to neutralize these toxins.

However, chronic exposure to carcinogens causes the liver to become inflamed. Chronic irritation and inflammation increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

There are also reports that cigarette smoke raises the incidence of cancer in cats, so households with smokers should be cautious.
It can’t be said that these chemicals will cause cancer immediately after entering the body, but long-term exposure to these chemicals should be avoided.

Causes of Metastatic Liver Cancer

The cause of metastatic liver cancer varies depending on where the initial (primary) cancer started.

When blood flow is sluggish or body temperature is low, metastasis is more likely to occur, so it is important to keep the body warm.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer in Cats

Examinations include the following items:

Even if there are cancers or other diseases in the liver, symptoms may not appear, making it difficult to diagnose liver disease based solely on an interview.

If blood tests show abnormal (high) values for ALP, AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), γGTP, etc., there may be some disease in the liver, in which case imaging tests (such as ultrasound) may be recommended.

However, sedatives may be required during imaging tests, so it is recommended to consult thoroughly with a veterinarian about whether the test is truly necessary.

Treatment of Liver Cancer in Cats

The possibility of completely curing liver cancer exists if the cancer can be entirely removed via surgery.

If the cancer is forming a mass and isn’t infiltrating other areas, and is limited to one liver lobe, the prognosis after surgery is good, and it is likely worth undergoing surgery.

On the other hand, if cancer has infiltrated multiple liver lobes or is widespread, even if it appears to have been cleanly removed, there are often residual cancer cells at the microscopic level, leading to quick recurrence. In many cases, surgery is not indicated.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tends to infiltrate easily, making recurrence and metastasis frequent and rapid after surgery, resulting in a poor prognosis post-surgery.

If the cancer has spread widely, surgery is not indicated.

Carcinoid tumors also tend to infiltrate easily and metastasize to lymph nodes, the peritoneum, lungs, etc., at an early stage, making them generally unsuitable candidates for surgery.

Surgery for Liver Cancer in Cats

There are two types of surgery: curative surgery and palliative surgery.

For nodular liver cancer localized in part of the liver, long-term survival post-removal can be expected, and surgery should be proactively considered.

However, if the cancer is widespread across multiple liver lobes, extensive liver resection is required, which is a highly burdensome surgery for the body.

Even if the cancer appears to have been removed, there is still a high chance of recurrence within a short period.

Therefore, a careful decision is required to determine if surgery is indeed the best option.

Anticancer Drug Treatment for Liver Cancer in Cats

There are cases where anticancer drugs are used to treat liver cancer in cats. However, it should be remembered that anticancer drug treatment is not intended to cure the cancer but to temporarily reduce its size.

*Treatment with anticancer drugs does not guarantee cancer will shrink.

Some animal hospitals offer treatments such as hepatic artery embolization and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy, but curing cancer with anticancer treatments is difficult in any case.

If you decide to undergo chemotherapy, you can expect to improve QOL (quality of life) by addressing side effects with Cordy for immune support and placental extract derived from Japanese SPF pigs for liver and kidney care.

Radiation Therapy – Liver Cancer in Cats

It is sometimes used in combination with surgery or as a standalone treatment.

However, responses to radiation can vary greatly from individual to individual, and since the treatment requires general anesthesia, the burden of anesthesia on the body cannot be ignored.

In the case of elderly cats or cats with lung diseases, the risks associated with anesthesia increase, requiring careful judgment.

Important Considerations When Undergoing Treatment for Liver Cancer – Liver Cancer in Cats

Both surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have their advantages and disadvantages.

The owners, who are most familiar with the condition of their dogs and cats, are in the best position to make this decision.
To avoid situations where your pet’s condition worsens or your pet suffers more because you followed the veterinarian’s advice, we encourage you as the owner to take the lead in deciding whether to proceed with treatment, take a break, or forego it for your dog or cat.

Alternative Therapies for Liver Cancer – Feline Liver Cancer

The fact that they are less damaging to the body means they are less dependent on the stage or condition of the illness.

Alternative therapies can be employed before surgery, to prevent recurrence after surgery, in cases where surgery is not feasible, and even when the patient’s strength is declining.

Alternative therapies are particularly meaningful in the following situations:

Alternative therapies can be performed concurrently with hospital treatments, and synergies can be expected, so consider alternative therapies proactively.

What You Can Do at Home – Dietary Therapy

To maintain immune strength, start by reassessing your cat’s daily diet.

The goal of dietary therapy is to slow the growth of cancer, build strength, and improve conditions such as anemia and albumin levels.
At our company, we place great emphasis on a nutritional approach as the foundation of treatment.

Cancer requires carbohydrates (glucose) to grow. Therefore, restricting carbohydrates as much as possible is something that can be started immediately, carries no burden on the body, and comes with no risk of side effects.

However, dietary therapy cannot be carried out without the cooperation of your family at home.

We recommend giving an appropriate amount of protein and reducing the amount of food that contains a lot of carbohydrates and sugars.

While changing one’s diet alone won’t cure cancer, limiting the carbohydrates necessary for the growth of liver cancer can slow down its progression.

It takes more time and effort than just feeding them regular food, but we hope you can start without thinking too much about it.

Dietary Therapy for Liver Cancer and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer grows by feeding on glucose. Therefore, by reducing the amount of glucose in the regular diet as much as possible, it becomes easier to curb the growth of cancer.

We recommend reducing carbohydrates and starches (such as potatoes) and providing an appropriate amount of protein.

Additionally, using amino acid supplements like BCAAs can supplement the needed protein (amino acids) without straining the liver.

To reduce the burden on you in providing recommended meals for pets with liver cancer, we have created a list of ingredients. Please take a look.
The Same Diet for Pets and People – Foods to Beat Cancer

Boosting Immunity to Improve Prognosis in Pets with Liver Cancer

Administering Cordy during liver cancer treatment can provide immune support and potentially improve prognosis.

There are long-term survival cases and examples of maintained appetite and vitality not only for liver cancer but also for various types of tumors.

When your beloved cat suffers from liver cancer, whether or not they are receiving treatment, immune support is very important.

At our lab, we continue to research whether administering Cordy can speed up the recovery of the immune system when weakened.

We cannot guarantee how well it will respond or the extent of the improvement, but there’s a significant chance that it can help regain appetite and vitality.

When using medications such as anticancer drugs, steroids, or antibiotics, liver function decline is a concern. In such cases, co-administration of Placenta Extract Powder Derived from SPF Domestic Pigs may help minimize liver damage.

Even for pets with already deteriorated liver values, there are many examples of liver function improvement within about a month when using Placenta Extract Powder Derived from SPF Domestic Pigs.

Additionally, since liver cancer often involves inflammation, giving EPA/DHA Krill Oil Extracted from Antarctic Krill, which has anti-inflammatory properties, is likely to be effective.

Our laboratory continues to research Cordy which has immune-modulating properties, domestically sourced SPF pig-derived Placenta Extract Powder which is expected to protect liver function, and krill oil which has anti-inflammatory effects. If you have any questions, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。

所属：

• 獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

• 獣医師が考案した長生き犬ごはん 安心・簡単・作り置きOK!
• 獣医師が考案した長生き猫ごはん　安心・簡単・作り置きＯＫ！
• 獣医師が考案した一汁一菜長生き犬ごはん こだわりの安心レシピ&作り置きOK!