A Comprehensive Guide to Liver Disease in Dogs

 The liver is an important organ in dogs’ bodies as it plays a crucial role in metabolism, digestion, detoxification of the body, the synthesis of essential proteins, etc. The liver does not function properly when your dog is suffering from a liver disease. When left untreated, liver disease can have far-reaching implications on your canine’s overall health. That is why, it is important to diagnose this potentially fatal disease and provide timely treatment. Unlike other visible health problems, liver disease can often go unnoticed. Therefore, it is necessary for you to acquire a thorough knowledge of liver disease in dogs so that you can provide the required care to your furry companion if and when needed.

Keep reading to learn everything about liver disease in dogs: its types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and measures to prevent this troublesome disease.

Liver functions in dogs

The liver is a filtering organ in dogs’ bodies and performs the following functions:

●     Metabolizes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

●     Produces enzymes that support digestion

●     Stores essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients

●     Eliminates waste from the body

●     Breaks down toxins

Liver disease in dogs

Liver disease is an umbrella term used for multiple acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) health conditions that obstruct the normal liver functions. It can cause inflammation and/or damage to the liver. The disease can exhibit temporary anomalies or prolonged conditions, which can ultimately result in liver failure.

Types of liver disease in dogs

Here are the different types of liver diseases that affect dogs:

●     Hepatitis: It is the short-term or long-term inflammation of the liver caused by exposure to poisons or toxins or certain treatments such as NSAIDs, bacterial infections such as leptospirosis, viruses or fungal infections. Hepatitis occurs as a secondary symptom of another issue or disease.

●     Cirrhosis: It is an advanced stage of liver disease where the normal, functioning tissue gets replaced by scar tissue, often caused by chronic hepatitis.

●     Copper storage disease: In this disease, excessive amounts of copper gather in the liver due to the liver’s inability to remove enough copper from the body. This disease is caused because of genetic abnormality in certain dog breeds or due to a diet that is too high in copper.

●     Portosystemic shunt (PSS): Also known as liver shunt, PSS is the disease where a dog’s venous blood from the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and spleen bypasses the liver. This results in toxins build-up within the body as the liver is unable to filter blood. This condition can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired later (due to cirrhosis, hypertension, etc.).

●     Hepatic neoplasia (Cancer): It can originate in the liver or be metastatic, meaning a neoplasm originates somewhere else within the body and then spreads to the liver.

●     Fulminant hepatic liver failure: It is a syndrome where there is a sudden loss of liver function. It is often marked by severe liver injury, brain dysfunction, etc.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs

As the liver performs multiple functions, liver disease can display different symptoms based on the affected function. Some of the common signs of liver disease in dogs include:

●     Reduced appetite

●     Vomiting & diarrhea

●     Frequent urination

●     Excessive drinking

●     Weight loss

●     Lethargy (weakness)

●     Jaundice (pale/yellow gums, skin or eyes)

●     Seizure/fits

●     Bloated belly

●     Unsteady movements

●     Head pressing (pushing of the head against something)

Diagnosis of liver disease

If the symptoms of liver disease are visible, it is best to take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian may run one or more of the following tests for an accurate diagnosis:

●     Blood and biochemistry tests: Allows to check the complete blood count, bilirubin content, liver enzyme levels, and kidney parameters.

●     Imaging: Abdominal X-rays and ultrasounds give an idea about the health, shape and size of the liver.

●     Liver biopsy: Checks for the presence of cancer cells or other unusual cell structures. Biopsy also helps detect the presence of copper deposits in the liver.

●     Urinalysis: Allow checking the urine for pH levels, infection, crystals, protein or blood.

●     Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Allows to find mass lesions or abnormalities of the veins and arteries attached to the liver.

Treatment of liver disease:

The treatment of liver disease is determined based on the symptoms and the test results. Some types of diseases can be treated easily. Whereas, the treatment of chronic ones, like cirrhosis of the liver or metastatic cancer includes only the management of symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Some common treatments for liver disease include:

●     Administration of IV fluids or SQ fluids, antibiotics, antioxidants, and steroids to reduce liver inflammation and scarring in case of hepatitis.

●     Surgical repairing of Portosystemic shunts.

●     Feeding copper-restricted diets and administering chelating agents to treat copper storage disease.

●     Surgical excision of any mass and chemotherapy in case of liver cancer.

Prevention of liver disease

It is always better to prevent liver disease to the extent possible to save your furry family member from the ordeal of strenuous treatment procedures. Following are some of the ways to prevent liver disease in dogs:

●     Vaccinate your dog for prevention of diseases like leptospirosis & infectious hepatitis.

●     Take your dog for regular vet examinations.

●     Keep toxic substances such as human medications, pesticides, rodenticides, toxic plants, etc. away from your pet.

●     Clean your dog’s water bowl frequently and provide fresh drinking water. Do not let them drink unclean, potentially contaminated water.

●     Keep your dog’s weight in check. Obesity can expose them to the threat of diabetes and in turn, liver disease.

●     Regularly administer liver supplements, like PAW HepatoAdvanced, to support your dog’s liver health.

To conclude

Liver disease in dogs is a tricky health problem. It can be cured completely or only supportive care can be possible depending on the type of liver disease a dog is suffering from. It is, therefore, required to know everything about this disease for you to identify it, provide timely treatment and prevent it as far as possible. Being vigilant about liver disease helps you take action in time and keep your beloved four-legged friend safe, healthy and happy.