Hepatocellular Carcinoma in dog

Abstract

This report presents clinical, ultrasonographical and pathological findings in a 13-year-old dog with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ultrasound Sonography (USG)  examination of liver revealed anechoic areas with irregular borders. Gross examination of liver and spleen revealed multifocal firm nodules of various sizes. Cut section of liver was greasy. Upon gross examination of lungs, haemorrhagic nodule and pale appearance were noticed. Upon cytological examination, hepatocytes showed multiple nuclei and nuclear atypia along with vacuolated cytoplasm and few naked nuclei. Cytology of spleen revealed multinucleated cells and few hepatocytes which might indicate metastasis. On histopathological analysis, pleomorphic hepatocytes with vacuoles, multinucleated cells and mitotic figures were noticed. These results supported the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With Masson’s Trichrome staining, collagen fibers stained blue colour around the portal triad indicating periportal cirrhosis. Histopathology of spleen revealed islands of fibrous tissue around vasculature which was also confirmed by Masson’s Trichrome staining. Immunohistochemical analysis of liver revealed intense immunopositivity for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA)  and cytokeratin 18 in neoplastic hepatocytes.