Do my dog's liver cysts always cause pain, or can they be painless?

Liver disease can cause diarrhea, but numerous other diseases cause diarrhea as well and usually diarrhea is seen with significant liver disease. If the liver growths are benign then surgery may not be necessary, although some benign tumors can continue to grow large enough that they can cause problems. If it is not known 100% if the growths are benign or malignant then surgery might be necessary to determine exactly what they are. You may want to discuss your concerns with your vet to see what they recommend, or ask about referral to a specialist.

I am not an oncologist but I found this article about liver masses in general and it does discuss cystadenomas: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/ryan/oncology-handouts/liver-tumors-in-veterinary-patients.pdf?sfvrsn=4 You are correct that 'benign' means it will not spread. These tumors can cause a problem sometimes based upon size and location. I agree that a follow up ultrasound is needed. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These are likely sebaceous adenoma a which are benign and typically not painful. Although they have that appearance consistent with that benign growth, you never know until you sample it. They should not be painful so if that is the case, it would be indicated to have him evaluated to look for any other possible pain sources. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

I'm so sorry that Brownie has cancer! Depending on where her lump is, it can cause pain as she places pressure on it. If there is any bleeding or discharge from her lump, that can be painful as well. You can discuss your concerns with your vet, who can prescribe pain medication for Brownie to make her more comfortable. I hope this helps!

I'm sorry your dog isn't feeling well. Regarding your comment about leaving kibble in his bowl without eating it, yet still eating 2 cans of food a day and some treats--it sounds like he is getting enough food and appetite is not a problem. When you say he is "pooping everything out," is he having diarrhea? Or does it seem that he is losing weight even though he is eating a lot? Or is he pooping very frequently? To review the list of problems/symptoms that you have given: *losing weight even though he is eating a lot (if this is what you mean by "pooping everything out") *uncomfortable/moaning *enlarged liver *blood test negative for Cushings disease Considering that he is 13, given the problem list above one of the biggest things I would worry about is cancer of some kind, and arthritis may be contributing to his discomfort. Unfortunately there is not any ONE test for cancer, so its not something your vet can just submit a blood sample and get an answer for. If you are wanting to KNOW what her diagnosis is, your vet will need to run full lab work (a full chemistry profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis), take X-rays of his chest, and probably perform an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly) as well. If an abnormality is discovered on X-rays or ultrasound, a biopsy may needed. Regardless of the cause, and even if you don't have funds to do a lot of diagnostics, you can focus on making him comfortable, with the understanding that his time may be limited. Ask your vet about pain medications. Don't worry about him not eating kibble--if he prefers canned food that is fine. I'm sorry I cannot give you black and white answers as to what is wrong. But he's a very lucky boy to have someone who cares so much for him. Wishing you both the best. Thanks so much for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If you're concerned enough about it the best course of action is to have it checked out/tested to see if it's a cyst or something else, especially if it is bothersome or growing in size. Unfortunately, without testing the site, it would be impossible to tell what it is just from looking at it. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some options to make it more affordable: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

This is a very valid question and it is important to consider his overall wellbeing and comfort above and beyond prolonging the length of his life. If he is mobile, greeting family members as he normally would and eating enough (a specialised liver diet and supplements can help to reduce some of the symptoms of poor liver function by reducing the amount of toxins the liver needs to excrete. As long as his appetite is sufficient to prevent significant weight loss then it is likely he is feeling ok in himself. The following link can be very helpful for all family members to sit down together and discuss and can help in the medium term decision making https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf