Thrombocytosis and tumour distribution predict outcome in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi-institutional retrospective analysis.

Massive HCC has better prognosis; thrombocytosis predicts worse outcomes; surgery superior to medical management.

This multi-institutional retrospective study analyzed 106 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to identify prognostic factors affecting survival outcomes. Massive HCCs represented 80% of cases and demonstrated the most favorable prognosis with a median survival time (MST) of 1000 days, significantly superior to nodular or diffuse forms. Common laboratory abnormalities included elevated liver enzymes (94%), thrombocytosis (26%), and neutrophilia (15%). Notably, dogs presenting with thrombocytosis or neutrophilia had substantially shorter MSTs (629 and 583 days respectively) compared to those with normal values. Surgical treatment yielded superior outcomes (MST 945 days) compared to medical management (265 days), while chemotherapy in 14 dogs failed to improve survival. The study confirms that tumor morphology and specific hematologic parameters serve as valuable prognostic indicators in canine HCC, with surgery remaining the gold standard treatment for massive tumors.

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