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- Blocking Blood, Buying Time: Coil Embolization Offers Hope for Nonresectable Liver Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Blocking Blood, Buying Time: Coil Embolization Offers Hope for Nonresectable Liver Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2025
Obi Veterinary Education
November 27, 2025
Michelle T. Nguyen, Chick Weisse, Stacy Kaneko
Background
Surgical resection is often not feasible for dogs and cats with massive, nodular, or diffuse liver tumors. While transarterial embolization (TAE) and chemoembolization (TACE) have shown promise, they can be technically complex and require repeated anesthesia. This study investigated hepatic dearterialization—a technique involving coil embolization of the hepatic artery—as a potentially safer, single-event palliative option for nonresectable liver tumors in veterinary patients.
Methods
A retrospective review of seven patients (five dogs, two cats) who underwent transarterial coil embolization of the hepatic artery at a veterinary referral center was performed. Data included pre- and post-treatment laboratory findings, imaging (primarily multiphase CT), perioperative management, and long-term outcomes. The procedure involved occlusion of the hepatic artery from the gastroduodenal artery to the common hepatic artery, with postoperative follow-up extending up to 505 days in some cases.
Results
All patients survived to discharge, with most discharged within 24 hours. Mild post-embolization syndrome (gastrointestinal signs or lethargy) was observed in three patients, and one required rehospitalization. Marked transient increases in ALT and AST were noted 24 hours postoperatively. At 6–11 weeks post-treatment, five of six patients had improved liver enzyme values. Tumor regression was documented in three of four patients undergoing repeat CT, with up to 63% reduction in volume. One case of recanalization was noted. Survival ranged from 50 to 505 days, with four patients eventually euthanized due to unrelated disease. No cases of acute liver failure were reported.
Limitations
This was a small, retrospective case series without a control group, limiting generalizability. Some diagnoses were based on imaging and cytology without confirmatory histopathology. Variability in embolization materials and tumor types, along with incomplete long-term imaging in some cases, restricted consistent assessment of outcomes.
Conclusions
Hepatic dearterialization via transarterial coil embolization is a minimally invasive and well-tolerated palliative treatment for nonresectable liver tumors in dogs and cats. It may lead to temporary tumor regression and prolonged survival, with few short-term complications. This technique shows promise as an alternative to TACE or resection, warranting further investigation in larger, prospective studies.
(A) Patient # 6 had an angiogram performed to outline the right hepatic artery, gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and the common hepatic artery (CHA). The catheter tip (black arrow) can be observed advancing into the selected arteries. The hepatic mass is appreciated (red dotted line). (B) A 3 Fr micro-catheter is advanced and 0.56 mL of 100 μm embolic beads administered in 6.44 mL of saline and 5 mL of iodinated contrast administered slowly prior to coil embolization into a branch off the GDA. (C–E) Coil embolization. (F) Completed coil embolization (white arrows point to coils). Abbreviations: CMA, cranial mesenteric artery; LGA, left gastric artery; RPV, right portal vein; SA, splenic artery.
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