Liver disease in dogs

The liver is vital for your dog's digestion and detoxification processes. However, when liver disease occurs, these functions are compromised, leading to illness. Recognizing the signs and understanding the causes of liver disease are crucial for providing effective care. Early detection and proper management can significantly enhance your dog's health and well-being.

What is liver disease in dogs?

Liver disease in dogs encompasses conditions where the liver's normal function is impaired, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may progress to complete liver failure if left untreated.

It manifests in two main forms: chronic, which progresses gradually, and acute, characterised by sudden liver failure requiring immediate medical attention. This condition can result from inflammation or damage to the liver, either as a primary issue or secondary to other health conditions. While more common in older dogs, liver problems can also affect puppies, depending on underlying causes.

What causes liver disease in dogs?

Liver disease in dogs can happen for various reasons. One major factor is hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed. This inflammation can result from infections like leptospirosis or diseases such as pancreatitis. Liver cancer is also a concern, particularly in older dogs, and it can either start in the liver or spread from elsewhere in the body.

Certain substances and medications can also harm the liver, like toxic plants or high doses of certain medicines. Infections in the blood, known as sepsis, can also harm the liver. Dogs can even be born with liver problems, or they may develop them later in life. It's crucial to watch for signs of liver disease and seek help early, as these issues can lead to serious complications like liver failure.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs

Identifying liver disease in dogs can be challenging as it doesn't always come with clear signs, especially in the first stages. Look out for signs like your dog feeling tired often, losing weight, or eating less than usual. Changes in their drinking habits, such as drinking more or less water, along with vomiting or diarrhoea, could also be indicators. As the condition progresses, you might observe their gums, skin, or eyes turning yellow, or they may experience seizures or a fever. Additionally, they might have bruises, appear unsteady on their feet, or press their head against objects. It's important to talk to your vet if you notice any changes in your furry friend. Detecting liver issues early can really help with treatment and making sure your pup feels better sooner.

Treatments for dogs with liver disease

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping dogs with liver disease. Treatment needs to be tailored to each dog's needs. This often means adjusting their diet to special food that gives them the right nutrients while being gentle on their liver. They might also get supplements packed with vitamins and minerals to help them heal. If they've got an infection, the vet might prescribe antibiotics, and for more serious cases like tumours, surgery could be an option. Sometimes, they'll need extra treatments like lactulose to clear toxins or vitamin K if they're bleeding too much.

Regular veterinary check-ups ensure treatment effectiveness. In acute cases, hospitalisation with fluid management and controlled activity supports liver recovery. The ultimate goal is symptom relief and improving quality of life through personalised care.

How to prevent liver disease in dogs

Preventing liver disease in dogs involves several important measures. Firstly, vaccination is essential. Diseases such as leptospirosis and infectious hepatitis pose a significant risk to liver health and can be effectively prevented through timely vaccination during puppyhood and regular booster shots throughout their life. Ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet, as recommended by a veterinarian, is key to supporting optimal liver function. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important for early detection and intervention in case of any liver-related issues. Being vigilant also about potential toxins, including certain plants and foods, and maintaining a safe environment further reduces the risk of liver disease in dogs.

In a crisis:

Immediately contact your vet if your dog seems tired all the time, doesn't want to eat, throws up, or starts to look yellow, as these could mean something's wrong with their liver. 

It is vital to begin end-of-life care discussions before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life. 

Don’t wait until the very end. It’s important to consider your pet’s end-of-life journey early, so that you, your family and your pet are all supported through the process.

When the time comes, we’re here for you. Goodbye Good Boy provides a range of end-of-life services to make the difficult process of saying goodbye a little easier. 

We offer quality of life assessments from qualified vets, specialist grief counselling, at home euthanasia from dedicated end of life veterinarians, as well as cremation services and memorial options to help remember your pet for their unique character.

We are with you at every step of the journey.

To find out more, you can call our team of passionate pet lovers on 1800 953 619.