Liver, Biliary, And Pancreatic Tumours In Dogs And Cats

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers affect the liver, bile ducts, or pancreas and are uncommon but often aggressive. In dogs, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumour, while cholangiocarcinoma, haemangiosarcoma, and metastatic lesions also occur. In cats, bile duct carcinoma and lymphoma are more frequent. Pancreatic tumours such as insulinomas, adenocarcinomas, and gastrinomas can develop in both species and often spread to other organs.

Because these organs are deep within the abdomen, early symptoms are often vague. Common signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Some pets may show jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin), abdominal swelling, or weakness. Pets with insulinomas may experience seizures or collapse due to low blood sugar. These non-specific signs make advanced imaging vital for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis typically involves blood and liver function tests, abdominal ultrasound, CT scans, and biopsy for histopathology. However, conventional imaging can struggle to distinguish between benign nodules, inflammatory changes, and aggressive cancers. That’s why advanced functional imaging such as PET-CT is increasingly valuable for detecting disease activity and extent more precisely.

PET-CT combines structural and metabolic imaging, revealing not only where a tumour is but how active it is biologically. It detects metastases in the lungs, spleen, lymph nodes, and other organs that ultrasound or CT might miss. PET-CT also differentiates cancerous lesions from benign or regenerative changes in the liver, ensuring vets base their treatment decisions on the clearest possible picture.

PET-CT helps determine whether surgery is appropriate by confirming the extent of local and distant disease. It identifies active tumour regions for precise radiation therapy and tracks metabolic changes during chemotherapy or systemic treatment. Uptake patterns can indicate how aggressive a tumour is, enabling vets to adjust treatment intensity and discuss prognosis realistically with pet owners.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers are complex, often discovered late, and emotionally distressing for owners. PET Theranostics provides veterinarians with whole-body insight into cancer behaviour, not just its structure. This clarity supports accurate staging, tailored treatment planning, and compassionate guidance for pet owners — ensuring decisions are made with confidence and care.