Home Liver Disease in Dogs

Liver Disease in Dogs

August 4, 2023 JOLLYES TEAM

Questions

What Causes Liver Disease in Dogs?
Can a Dog Recover from Liver Problems?
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs
Senior Dog Liver Disease Symptoms
Treatment for Liver Disease in Dogs
Dog Food for Live Disease

The liver is a large internal organ in the dog with a range of very important functions, helping with blood clotting, digestion and removing toxins from the blood.

There are many different things that can cause liver disease in dogs, and it can be a serious and debilitating disease. Whilst some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to liver problems than others, it’s important for owners to spot the telltale signs and symptoms.

What Causes Liver Disease in Dogs?

There are various things that cause dog liver disease. Some causes are primary liver issues that develop inside the liver, others are secondary - they start somewhere else in the body and affect the liver. Usually, the liver is very good at repairing itself so unless a great deal of damage is done, it will recover and resume normal function.

Common causes of liver disease include:

Toxic substances such as blue green algae
Cysts or Gallstones
Endocrine issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism
Aging changes
Liver disease
Trauma
Hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver)
Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure medication and paracetamol in high doses can cause liver damage

Certain Dog Breeds are also more prone to Liver Disease

Some dog breeds are prone to certain issues such as liver disease. For example, some dogs are prone to copper storage disease, where copper deposits build up in the liver and cause loss of function.

Labradors
Poodles
Yorkshire Terries
Schnauzers
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers

Can a Dog Recover from Liver Problems?

As there are 4 stages of liver disease, their recovery largely depends on the stage they are at. In the first stage, abnormal inflammatory changes are seen, this is easily treated with medication or a dietary change. Dogs are expected to make a full recovery from this stage.

The second stage occurs when scar tissue forms due to fibrosis of the liver. If caught in this stage, usually the damage can be reversed.

The third stage is characterized by cirrhosis. This is when permanent scarring occurs, and it cannot be reversed or repaired. Some of the liver may still be functioning, but it will not be the same as it was before the damage.

The fourth stage is liver failure, there is no chance of recovery and the liver is not functioning. There is no medication or treatment that will make any difference at this point, the only option is palliative care.

Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs

Depending on what stage the liver disease is at will determine the clinical signs seen to a certain extent.

Early signs of liver disease in the dog include:

Weight loss
Reduced appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Sudden changes in thirst and urination

If the liver disease is allowed to progress, clinical signs include:

Seizure activity
Jaundice
High temperature
Unsteady on feet
Head pressing
Blood in vomit
Blood in Diarrhoea
Weakness
Confusion
Ascites (a build-up of fluid in the tummy area).
Small red dots on mucous membranes called petechiae haemorrhage

Senior Dog Liver Disease Symptoms

Signs shown by senior dogs in liver disease are not dissimilar to those seen in younger dogs. Signs may appear quicker, or they may progress through the stages more rapidly. There may be more signs in senior dogs as they are more likely to have concurrent health issues as well as liver disease present.

Often signs are generalised and non-specific which can make identifying liver disease a challenge.

Treatment for Liver Disease in Dogs

Treatment for liver disease in dogs largely depends on the underlying cause of the liver disease and how advanced the disease is.

If your dog presents to the vet unwell, they will initially be stabilized with intravenous fluids, and pain relief while further tests are run. Further tests that may be carried out include:

Routine blood test - this can assess liver parameters as well as other organ function and blood cell count.
Urinalysis
Ultrasound scan of the liver
Radiographs of the liver
Samples to be sent for histopathology - either taken by transabdominal guided by ultrasound, or under general anaesthetic as a surgical procedure

Dog Food for Live Disease

If liver disease has been identified, your dog's diet will need to be adjusted. The changes required will depend on the type of liver disease present and the stage of the disease. However, if the disease is in the early stages, a change in diet will not make much difference.

If their liver disease is more advanced, the diet needs to involve a reduction in protein. It needs to be low in fat. The diet must be low in phosphorus if a liver shunt is present. If copper storage disease is apparent, copper should be restricted. It needs to contain omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Speak to your vet about liver-friendly diets and always consult them before making any changes to your dog's diet.

What Foods Should Dogs with Liver Disease Avoid?

Foods dogs with liver disease should avoid include:

Any food high in copper
Red meats with high protein content
Cheaper dog food containing preservatives, artificial ingredients, and high sugar content.
Human food or leftovers
Peanut butter as it can contain aflatoxins which are believed to inhibit the normal function of the liver.
Xylitol which is a naturally occurring sweetener that can cause liver problems in all dogs, even in small doses.

Diagnosing and noticing your pup’s liver disease signs in the early stages can help them live a long and healthy life. For more dog necessities, check out our range online and in-store.