Oliver – Haemoabdomen / Hepatic tumour

Oliver was brought as an emergency case in our clinic due to sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, and a refusal to go for walks.

A general examination revealed pale mucous membranes, low body temperature, and a distended abdomen.

Ultrasound: evidence of a large amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity, which, upon aspiration, proved to be blood. Evidence of multiple  tumours  in the liver.

Oliver was stabilized, received an emergency blood transfusion, and was taken to surgery for a diagnostic laparotomy. During the procedure, we discovered that the dog was bleeding from the right and left medial liver lobes. We performed an emergency lobectomy to control the hemorrhage. Unfortunately, in this case, all liver lobes were affected, and the tumors could not be removed. In such situations, we have two options:

1) Stop the bleeding and waking the patient

2) Euthansia in the surgical theatre

Image of the surgical field showing the liver tumor masses:

After discussing the situation with the owners by phone, we decided to give Oliver a chance, however short it might be. His condition is terminal, and his life expectancy from this point on is uncertain.

After waking up from surgery, the patient’s vital signs were quite good, and Oliver was discharged that same day. Several follow-up examinations ensued, and things only seemed to improve.

Two weeks later, Oliver visited us for his follow-up exam and suture removal, and everything looks perfect so far. Oliver’s condition is terminal, and there is no way to help him in the long term; however, through his own resilience and the care of his owners, he will have the chance to spend more time with his family.

Oliver at his follow-up exam—14 days after surgery: