Hepatocellular Adenoma in Cats: 2025 Vet Insights 🐱💛

I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, feline veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this thorough 2025 guide, we explore hepatocellular adenoma—a rare, benign liver tumor in cats. You’ll learn to spot it, understand diagnostic approaches, target the best treatment options—including surgery and monitoring—and leverage tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz for recovery and long-term health. Let’s support your cat’s liver wellness together! 💙

📌 What Is Hepatocellular Adenoma?

Hepatocellular adenomas are benign tumors made up of hepatocytes and are rare in cats, representing a small fraction of hepatic masses :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. While benign, they can grow large, risk hemorrhage, and may seldom transform malignantly :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Though non-cancerous, large adenomas can compress nearby structures, cause abdominal discomfort, and bleed :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Rupture risks hypotension and emergency hemorrhage :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Might be discovered incidentally or during evaluation of elevated liver enzymes :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

👥 Who Is Affected?

Hepatocellular adenomas are uncommon in cats, often appearing in older animals (>9–10 years) with no strong breed predisposition :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. They may be found incidentally during imaging for other reasons :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🔍 Clinical Signs

Though often asymptomatic, signs can include:

• Lethargy, inappetence, weight loss
• Palpable abdominal mass or discomfort
• Intermittent vomiting or mild hepatomegaly :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Abnormal liver enzymes (elevated ALT/ALKP) on routine bloodwork :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔬 How It's Diagnosed

1. Bloodwork & Biochemical Profile

Check liver enzymes, bilirubin, coagulation times, and full CBC to assess liver function and overall health.

2. Abdominal Imaging

• Ultrasound: Focal liver mass, often well‑circumscribed, can appear cystic or solid :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• CT or MRI: Useful to define lesion extent and guide surgical planning; hepatocellular adenomas may show iso- to hypo‑attenuation and mild enhancement on CT :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

3. Tissue Sampling

Needle aspirates are discouraged due to bleeding risk. Biopsy—either surgical or laparoscopic—is needed for definitive histopathological diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛠️ Treatment Options

1. Surgical Resection

When accessible and solitary, removal of the tumor offers the best outcome:

• Elective excision resolves the mass and prevents hemorrhage :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Cats tolerate partial hepatectomy well—up to 75% liver removal is safe :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Long-term remission expected; survival often ≥1–2 years post-op :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

2. Monitoring (“Watchful Waiting”)

Small, asymptomatic adenomas may be observed with serial ultrasound and lab testing every 3–6 months, especially if surgery poses risk.

3. Emergency Management

If hemorrhage or rupture occurs, immediate stabilization with fluids, blood transfusion, and surgery is required.

🌱 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• With complete surgical removal, prognosis is excellent—cats often live ≥2 years post-surgery :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Asymptomatic surveillance is safe with routine monitoring.
• Risk of hemorrhage means prompt reassessment is essential if symptoms evolve.

🐾 Home Monitoring & Telehealth Support

• Ask A Vet: Guides recovery, wound care, monitoring for bleeding, and scheduling scans.
• Woopf: Helps administer post-op fluids, medications, and reduce stress at home.
• Purrz: Tracks appetite, weight, behavior, abdominal signs, and energy levels to flag early concerns.

🔬 2025 Veterinary Advances

• AI-assisted image analysis for early identification of hepatic mass margins on ultrasound and CT.
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic liver biopsy improves safety and recovery.
• Volumetric imaging helps pre-surgical planning and postoperative monitoring.

✅ Vet-Approved Action Plan

1. Investigate elevated liver enzymes or abdominal mass with imaging.
2. If lesion is solitary and accessible, recommend surgical excision.
3. Stabilize and operate; monitor during recovery (fluids, pain control).
4. For small/asymptomatic tumors, monitor labs & imaging every 3–6 months.
5. Use Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz to support home recovery and detect changes early.
6. Reassess if symptoms develop—vomiting, swelling, anemia, lethargy.

✨ Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Though hepatocellular adenomas in cats are rare, they’re generally curable with surgery and careful monitoring. With modern imaging, skilled surgical care, and telehealth/home‑care tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz, your cat has the best chance for a full life post-removal. Your proactive awareness and care keep their liver—and life—healthy. 💙🐾

Need guidance? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app for personalized support during recovery and long-term wellness planning.