The liver is a large organ that performs a variety of important functions both in the biochemical and physiological pathways of your pet. The liver partakes in helping digestion, detoxifying the blood stream, replenishing the nutrient supply, synthesizing plasma protein, storing glycogen, fighting diseases, and promoting healthy growth. Since this organ is involved in many tasks, it’s not surprising that there are a variety of negative consequences when liver disease develops. However, it takes time for these negative effects to become apparent, as the liver has a great reserve capacity. As a result of this characteristic, liver disease generally does not begin to show itself until two-thirds or more of the organ is affected.
For pet owners who have dogs, be advised that liver disease is a relatively common disorder among older dogs.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
- Ascites (fluid build up in the abdomen)
- Confusion
- Convulsions (in extreme circumstances)
- Dark colored urine
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst otherwise known as polydipsia
- Excessive urination otherwise known as polyuria
- Expanded abdomen due to fluid retention
- Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, whites of eyes and even the skin)
- Lethargy
- Pale gums and associated bleeding tendencies
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Possible Causes of Liver Disease
- Altered blood flow to the liver due to heart disease or a congenital abnormality
- Poisonous substances eaten by the pet
- Viral and bacterial infections
- *For dogs, please note that some breeds such as Bedlingtons and West Highland White Terriers do not excrete copper as they should
If your veterinarian suspects liver disease, the following diagnostic tests may be used.
Abdominal palpation (feeling the abdomen for abnormalities) can give an indication of liver enlargement. Examination of the tongue and gums is used to evaluate the presence or absence of the yellow discoloration associated with jaundice. It will probably be necessary for your veterinarian to collect a blood sample from your pet to submit for laboratory evaluation. The level of some enzymes in the blood is frequently elevated during liver disease and may indicate the type of disease. Another way your veterinarian can learn what is wrong with the liver is with a liver biopsy.
To determine how well your pet is responding to therapy, your veterinarian may periodically repeat some of these tests. Therefore, you will need to bring your pet in for reexamination as directed by your veterinarian.
The treatment of liver disease has four objectives. These are to:
- Eliminate or remove, if possible, the damaging agent (such as a poison or copper)
- Minimize the harmful effects of the damaging agent on the liver
- Encourage healing and regeneration
- Maintain the life of the animal until adequate liver function can be restored
Treatment of liver disease will differ depending on the cause of the initial damage. The pet that has liver disease as a result of trauma may require only hospitalization, good nursing care and proper dietary management to make a successful recovery. If infection is determined to be the cause of liver disease, the supportive therapy may have to include antibiotics.
Liver disease causes damage to the individual liver cells. As more and more of the individual cells are damaged, the work of the entire organ is decreased and can result in liver failure. Fortunately, for us and our pets, the liver has a big reserve capacity and, unlike some of the other organs in the body, has the ability to regenerate. Therefore, if we eliminate the harmful agent and institute proper dietary therapy, chances are good for recovery.
Often dietary therapy is the single most important method of modifying the course of most spontaneous liver diseases. The goals of dietary therapy are to reduce the signs of sickness associated with liver failure and at the same time provide optimal conditions for liver repair and regeneration. Dietary therapy involves adjusting the diet so that optimal quantities and types of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals are provided to the animal.
The objective is to provide optimal nutrition, yet decrease the work load of the liver. Excessive levels of protein should be avoided since they add to the work of the liver. Particular emphasis should be placed on the available energy in the diet. This energy should be present in the form of easily digested carbohydrates and high quality fats. Your veterinarian will determine which diet best meets your pet’s needs.
During this time it is very important that your pet consume only the prescribed medication, the prescribed diet, and nothing else. Otherwise, the diet will not work properly and your pet will suffer with this condition longer than necessary.
Once at home, your pet needs special attention and care. It is important that you provide free access to fresh, clean water at all times. Follow instructions carefully if your dog has a prescribed diet or medication. Medications should be given for the entire period for which they are prescribed.
Canine liver disease is among the top five leading causes of non-accidental death in dogs and as such should be taken seriously. The liver is responsible for a number of essential bodily functions, and if it is compromised in any way your dog’s overall health is in jeopardy.
Among the liver’s many responsibilities are blood detoxification, waste removal and bile production to aid digestion. This large gland is involved in just about every process in the body. As such, it is very resilient, with the ability to work even during the onset of liver disease in dogs.
Canine liver disease can be caused by bacterial infections, ingested materials, genetics or existing health conditions. Some of the more common symptoms of liver problems in dogs include weight loss, lethargy, jaundice, loss of appetite, pale gums and abdominal fluid buildup.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, make sure you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Because the liver is able to function effectively even at 70-80% capacity, the disease may be in its advanced stages by the time the condition manifests itself.
Your vet can perform blood tests to check liver enzyme levels among other indicators. He or she can also look and feel for liver enlargement, jaundice or other signs of canine liver disease. Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem and the severity of damage to the gland. Unlike other organs in the body, it can regenerate itself so if the problem is isolated there is a good chance of recovery.
Suggested Reading: Hope for Healing Liver Disease In Dogs
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