Liver disease in dogs can affect dogs of all ages, but is especially worrying in elderly animals, who already have a slower metabolism and may have associated comorbidities.
The liver is one of the body's most important organs, responsible for metabolizing nutrients, removing toxins and ensuring the balance of various vital functions. When it's not working properly, the impact on your pet's health is significant.
What is liver disease?
Liver disease is any condition that damages the structure or functioning of the liver. It can appear acutely (suddenly, as in poisoning) or chronically (progressively, as in tumors or metabolic diseases).
The liver is involved in digestion, the production of bile, the storage of vitamins and the elimination of toxins. Therefore, when it is compromised, the dog's entire organism can suffer.
What causes liver disease in dogs?
Several factors can lead to liver damage in dogs:
- Inadequate diet and obesity - encourage the accumulation of fat in the liver (steatosis).
- Exposure to toxins - plants, medicines or chemicals can cause poisoning.
- Infections - such as canine infectious hepatitis (viral) and leptospirosis.
- Endocrine and metabolic diseases - diabetes mellitus and Cushing's syndrome.
- Genetic factors - some breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Skye Terriers and West Highland White Terriers, are more prone to liver problems.
- Heart and kidney - can lead to secondary liver damage.
- Older age - natural aging reduces the liver's ability to regenerate.
Types of liver disease in dogs
Canine liver diseases can be classified into different categories:
Inflammatory
For example, canine infectious hepatitis (CAV-1 virus), toxic or drug hepatitis and idiopathic chronic hepatitis.
Metabolic
For example, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), common in obese or diabetic dogs, and copper accumulation hepatopathy, which affects breeds such as Dobermans and Bedlington Terriers.
Congenital and vascular
Such as congenital portosystemic shunt and hepatic microvascular dysplasia.
Neoplastic (tumors)
For example, primary liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma, adenomas) and metastases from other organs.
Toxic
These are caused by ingesting inappropriate medication, toxic plants, dangerous foods (such as xylitol) or chemicals.
Secondary to other diseases
This includes congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis, which indirectly affect the liver.
This diversity in the different causes shows that liver disease is not a single condition, but rather a set of different ailments that impair the functioning of the liver.
Liver diseases in elderly dogs
In elderly dogs, liver disease is more common due to:
- Natural ageing of the organ.
- Primary or metastatic liver tumors.
- Heart diseases that cause insufficiency and affect the liver.
- Chronic kidney diseases that impact metabolism.
- Diabetes mellitus, which increases the risk of fat accumulation in the liver.
In addition, as their metabolism is slower, an elderly dog with a liver problem may need to adjust the doses of medication they already use.
Symptoms of liver disease in dogs
The most common symptoms include:
- Lack of appetite and weight loss
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Dark urine and light stools
- Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes)
- Swollen abdomen (ascites)
- Behavioral changes, such as disorientation and apathy
When it affects the central nervous system
In severe cases, the diseased liver is unable to eliminate toxins, leading to hepatic encephalopathy. In this situation, the dog may show disorientation, convulsions, walk in circles or press its head against objects. This is a veterinary emergency.
Diagnosis of liver disease in dogs
Diagnosis begins with a clinical assessment by the vet, looking for symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss and changes in behavior. Blood tests are then ordered, which measure liver enzymes and bilirubin and help to identify liver function.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound and X-rays, show changes in the size and texture of the liver. In more complex cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm inflammation, tumors or cirrhosis.
Finally, follow-up is continuous: the vet can repeat tests periodically to monitor progress and adjust treatment.
Forms of treatment
Early treatment is very important for dogs with liver disease, but it depends on the cause, assessed by the vet, and the severity. It usually includes:
- Special diet for liver support, with high quality proteins, low copper content and reduced fat.
- Hepatoprotectants and supplements such as silymarin and SAMe.
- Specific medications in case of infections or metabolic disorders.
- Fluid therapy and hospital support in acute cases.
- Surgery to remove tumors or correct anomalies such as portosystemic shunts.
Never self-medicate your pet: many common medications are toxic to the liver.
Frequently asked questions
Does liver disease in dogs affect the central nervous system?
Yes. When toxins accumulate in the blood, the brain can be affected, causing hepatic encephalopathy.
Liver disease in dogs: how long does it take to heal?
It depends on the cause. Acute cases treated quickly can improve within weeks, but chronic illnesses require ongoing management for life.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease in dogs?
Apathy, vomiting, weight loss and changes in liver enzymes. Usually associated with obesity.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis in dogs?
Fever, apathy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and jaundice. In canine infectious hepatitis, "blue eye" (corneal edema) can occur.
To conclude
Liver disease in dogs is serious, but many cases can be treated or controlled.
The key is early diagnosis, the right diet and regular veterinary care. With care and attention, your dog can have quality of life even living with this condition.
