--- title: How MRI Uncovered a Hidden Liver Mass in a Dog description: Differential diagnosis in dog, abdominal mass, liver mass, surgery, MRI faster diagnosis better treatment plan and outcome, accurate imaging saves dogs cats image: https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hubfs/Bella.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/how-mri-uncovered-a-hidden-liver-mass-in-a-dog#main-content) [![VET MRI LOGO gray-1](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png?width=2017&height=1311&name=VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png)Homepage](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Seizures](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/seizures-1) - [Spine](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/spine-mri) - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals - [Pet Owner Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/pet-owner-referral-form) - [Vet Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/vet-referral-form) [Questions? 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Call (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445) ![](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bella.jpg?width=2048&height=2048&name=Bella.jpg) Bella, the Labrador Retriever, Tumor Free # How MRI Uncovered a Hidden Liver Mass in a Dog ![Veterinary Outpatient MRI](https://7528315.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-cms-elevate-theme_hubspot/elevate/images/avatar-placeholder.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=avatar-placeholder.jpg) Veterinary Outpatient MRI July 9, 2025 **Patient:** *Bella*, a 9-year-old Labrador Retriever **Presenting Problem:** Bella had been losing weight for several weeks, seemed more tired than usual, and occasionally vomited after meals. Her blood work showed slightly elevated liver enzymes, so her vet suspected a liver issue. **Initial Diagnostics:** Abdominal ultrasound revealed an indistinct mass near the right kidney. The origin of the mass could not be determined, and fine needle aspirates were non diagnostic. Differentials included adrenal mass, renal mass, and retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma. **![bella\_MRI\_Liver](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bella_MRI_Liver.png?width=409&height=305&name=bella_MRI_Liver.png)Next Step: MRI** With the very disparate prognosis for the differentials Bella was referred for an MRI. MRI findings confirmed a right adrenal tumor without invasion into the vena cava. The enhanced soft tissue sensitivity and differing signal intensities for each of these tumor types allowed the distinction. Subsequent testing confirmed an adrenocortical tumor. **Outcome:** Because the MRI showed the mass’s exact location and its relationship to blood vessels, the surgical team could plan a precise liver lobectomy. The tumor was successfully removed and Bella continues to do well. **Key Takeaway:** This case shows how MRI can provide excellent soft tissue detail inside the abdomen, giving vets critical information when ultrasound and CT aren’t clear enough. In Bella’s case, MRI made the difference between uncertainty and a clear diagnosis that led to successful surgery. ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Fhow-mri-uncovered-a-hidden-liver-mass-in-a-dog](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Fhow-mri-uncovered-a-hidden-liver-mass-in-a-dog) ## Keep reading ### [![Veterinarian reviewing spinal and neurological MRI scans for a dog being evaluated for advanced veterinary imaging referral.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png) When Should a Veterinarian Refer a Pet for MRI Imaging?](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/when-should-a-veterinarian-refer-a-pet-for-mri-imaging) ### [![Dog showing signs of back pain during a veterinary neurological examination while a veterinarian reviews spinal MRI imaging for possible IVDD or spinal cord compression.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png) Signs Your Dog’s Back Pain Could Be Something More Serious](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/signs-your-dogs-back-pain-could-be-something-more-serious) [![Yellow MRI LOG](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow.png?width=300&height=195&name=yellow.png "Yellow MRI LOG")](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals **Contact Us        [Phone: (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445)              Email: [admin@vetoutpatientmri.com](mailto:admin@vetoutpatientmri.com)** [Privacy Policy](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/privacy-policy)· Legal · © 2025 Veterinary Outpatient MRI.  All rights reserved.  Veterinary Facility License NO. 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