Hypercalcemia of malignancy associated with a suspected hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

A 9 year old female spayed Golden Retriever was evaluated for abdominal discomfort and guarding after eating. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was made based on the combined results of a complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, thoracic and abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, aspiration cytology and liver biopsy. The serum chemistry panel revealed that this dog also had hypercalcemia which, through more in depth blood screening, was found to be due to production of parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrp). This paper will serve as a review of hepatic neoplasia and hypercalcemia as well as review the current treatment options that are available for an animal that presents with primary or secondary hepatic neoplasia.