Nutrition in Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Context and Considerations

HCC, Liver Function, and Nutrition

The liver plays an important role in processing nutrients and carrying out many metabolic functions.^{CAVN et al., Liver Disease Nutrition; Center} For this reason, nutrition can be an important consideration in some liver diseases.

Nutritional management is not the same for every liver condition. The appropriate approach can vary based on the condition itself, how the dog is doing clinically, and how well the liver is functioning.^Center

Because HCC can vary in its extent and impact on the liver,^{Moyer et al.} the presence of a liver tumor does not necessarily mean that liver function is significantly impaired. A diagnosis of HCC therefore does not by itself establish what dietary changes, if any, are appropriate.

Common Misconceptions About Diet in Dogs with HCC

The following are some common misconceptions that may come up when considering nutrition for dogs with HCC, including ideas related to liver disease and cancer nutrition.

Factors That May Affect Nutritional Needs

Nutritional needs can change with a dog’s condition and over the course of cancer care.^{CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition} Factors that may be relevant when considering nutrition include:

• Liver function and clinical status. These can influence whether changes in diet are appropriate in dogs with liver disease.^Center Because HCC can vary in its impact on liver function,^{Moyer et al.; Wypij et al.} these factors may be relevant when considering nutrition in an individual dog with HCC.
• Appetite, food intake, weight, and body condition. Cancer and its treatment can affect appetite, food intake, weight, and body condition, and changes in these areas may require adjustments to diet or feeding management.^{CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition}
• Other health conditions. Health conditions in addition to cancer may also need to be considered when determining an appropriate diet.^AAHA
• Cancer treatment. Treatment can affect a dog’s appetite or ability to eat in different ways, and adjustments to diet or feeding management may be needed as a result.^{CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition}

For these reasons, nutrition should be reassessed throughout a dog’s cancer care so that diet and feeding management can be adjusted when appropriate.^{AAHA; CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition}

Discussing Nutrition with Your Veterinary Team

Nutrition can be discussed with your veterinary team as part of your dog’s overall care.^{CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition} Depending on the individual dog, this may include discussing whether the current diet needs to change, whether a therapeutic or liver-specific diet is appropriate, or how a home-prepared diet can be appropriately formulated.^{AAHA; CAVN et al., Cancer Nutrition; Center}

If a home-prepared diet is being considered, consultation with a veterinary nutritionist is recommended.^AAHA

Questions you may want to discuss with your veterinary team include:

• Is my dog’s current diet still appropriate, or should we consider making any changes?
• Is my dog’s liver function affected in a way that means we should consider a change in diet?
• Would a therapeutic or liver-specific diet be appropriate for my dog?
• Are there any changes in my dog’s appetite, weight, or body condition that we should be concerned about?
• Could my dog’s cancer treatment or other health conditions affect what or how they should be eating?
• If I’m considering a home-prepared diet, what should I keep in mind?