New Study Identifies Prognostic Indicators for Liver Surgery in Dogs

Outcomes and Prognostic Variables Associated with Right Divisional Hepatic Lobectomies in Dogs

Michael Foster, Laurel K. Boekhout-Ta, James Bacon, Kate Alexander, Scott Weese, Jennifer M. Ogeer, Michelle Oblak

Background

Hepatic lobectomy is a common surgical approach for treating liver masses in dogs. The right divisional lobectomy—removal of the right medial, right lateral, and caudate lobes—is particularly challenging due to complex vasculature and proximity to the caudal vena cava. Previous reports on outcomes and survival after right-sided lobectomies are limited. This study aimed to assess surgical outcomes, complications, and prognostic indicators in dogs undergoing right divisional hepatic lobectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzed medical records of 62 dogs that underwent right divisional hepatic lobectomy at a single academic referral center between 2010 and 2022. Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging findings, intraoperative variables, histopathology, and postoperative outcomes. Complications were categorized as minor or major, and survival was assessed at 14 and 30 days postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify prognostic variables associated with complications and survival.

Results

The overall survival rate at 14 days post-surgery was 82.3%, and at 30 days was 77.4%. Major complications occurred in 29% of dogs, with hemorrhage being the most common cause of perioperative death. The presence of intraoperative hypotension and a preoperative packed cell volume (PCV) below 35% were significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. Dogs with malignant tumors had a higher risk of death within 30 days. Median survival for dogs that survived the perioperative period was not reached at the time of analysis. Histologically, hepatocellular carcinoma was the most frequent tumor type. No significant associations were found between tumor size or lobe involvement and surgical outcome.

Limitations

This was a retrospective, single-center study with potential for selection and information bias. Intraoperative decision-making and management were not standardized. Long-term survival data were limited due to variable follow-up, and quality-of-life assessments were not included. Additionally, histopathologic grading and margin assessment were not uniformly reported.

Conclusions

Right divisional hepatic lobectomy in dogs carries a relatively high perioperative risk, primarily due to hemorrhage. Preoperative anemia and intraoperative hypotension are key prognostic indicators for postoperative complications. Despite early surgical risks, long-term prognosis can be favorable for survivors, particularly those with resectable hepatocellular carcinomas. Enhanced perioperative monitoring and patient selection may improve outcomes.

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