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>I guess I'm trying to figure out what could possibly be the problem
>with the liver...could it be a cyst or something else?  She said if it
>continues to grow it could burst or cut off the function of the liver.
>What are signs of liver failure?  I can't have the surgery done right
>now due to some finances
 
Due to their relatively bland appearance, many cystadenocarcinomas of
the biliary tract of the liver ( a malignant tumor of the liver) may be
misinterpreted as liver cysts.  However, these tumors will continue to
grow if not completely excised, and eventually will replace the balance
of the liver tissue.  Surgical removal, if left unattended, may not be
achievable in late stages.
 
Liver failure is preceded by not wanting to eat, and small, often loose
stools, which may be associated as well with gastric ulcers.  In true
failure, animals become jaundiced, and blood tests at this time will show
that all liver enzymes are highly elevated, with bilirubin being the one
that proves that the liver is failing.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3956]