The liver is susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions. They may also want to take a biopsy -- remove a small tissue sample for testing. There are many potential causes of liver disease in dogs, both acute and chronic. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Make sure your vet is aware of any drugs or supplements they may take. Other causes of liver disease may include: If your dog has some symptoms of liver problems, your vet may ask you about their diet and medications. This illness is caused by triglyceride accumulation in a dog’s liver and leads to liver damage. It is responsible for about 50% of the liver tumors found in dogs. Certain mushrooms, algae, or molds can also be an instigating factor that causes liver trouble. Trauma, such as a blow when hit by a car or through a case of heatstroke, Some prescription drugs, including acetaminophen or medications used to treat other medical conditions, Toxic substances in the environment, such as pesticides, A birth defect or abnormality of the liver, Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, Increased urination and water consumption, Severe neurological problems such as seizures or aimless pacing. Be mindful of what you feed your dog. Fatty foods can hurt their liver. Exposure to certain drugs, particularly long-term exposure … In some cases, the tumor can be identified as a palpable mass in a dogs stomach. Some toxins can even cause different organs to fail, leading to secondary liver damage. Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs. This type of liver disease in dogs is brought on by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections that make their way into your pup’s system. Certain breeds of dog are recognised as having specific liver diseases such as copper storage disease in Bedlington and West Highland White terriers, portovascular anomalies in Irish Wolfhounds and Yorkshire terriers or idiopathic (cause unknown) chronic hepatitis in Doberman pinschers, Cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers to name but a few. The leading cause is this persistent inflammation in the liver. Treating with Medication Decide which medications your dog will need. All rights reserved. Free radicals build up like rust in the body and cause cell damage … and eventually, a damaged liver. Acute liver disease can develop after exposure to a toxic substance or poison, or from exposure to excessive heat. In these cases, a blood vessel is present that bypasses the liver, causing a buildup of toxins that the liver would normally take care of. Infectious and Inflammatory Liver Ailments Leptospirosis is an infectious disease, caused by a bacteria found in stagnant water such as ponds and puddles. Eating toxic plants or foods (mushrooms, lillies, etc.) It purifies the blood, eliminates waste and aids healthy digestion. General medical treatment recommendations for dogs with liver disease include targeting the underlying cause whenever possible, and treating the symptoms. Causes of liver disease in dogs may be injuries, poor diet, aging or genes. There is not a single culprit that causes liver disease in dogs, which means diagnosing the issue can be difficult in its early stages. Liver disease in dogs is one of the leading causes of death in dogs each year. The liver is very important for ensuring a long, healthy life. But it can also be brought on by infection or trauma to the area. A vet will need to see how much damage there is to the liver. Advanced liver disease can also cause malnutrition through decreased appetite and abnormal nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. If your dog's liver disease isn't caught early, it can lead to a serious brain condition called hepatic encephalopathy. But liver disease can often be treated and managed. Work closely with your vet to manage the disease and avoid liver failure. What Causes Liver Disease In Dogs? Either your dog has liver cancer, or your dog has another type of metastatic cancer that has spread to the liver. Heatstroke can also cause liver failure or permanent liver damage in dogs. And each type is unique to a particular form of the illness. Cirrhosis can occur in dogs of any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older dogs. ", Web DVM: "Ascites (Free Fluid in the Abdomen in Dogs and Cats). With this disease, the adrenal glands produce too much adrenaline, making the dog start drinking lots of water (think of a dog on prednisone), possibly have hair loss, and can even develop a pot belly. All rights reserved. This cancer is believed to form on stem cells in the liver and it can grow to be quite large. Canine Health Foundation: "Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN): An Overview. All ages of dogs can be affected and there are even some conditions that your dog may be genetically predisposed to or born with that causes liver failure. Several medications, such … If it is failing, vomiting is commonly … In the early stages of liver failure, we see abnormal inflammation. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from liver disease, here are some symptoms to look out for: Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. It is most known for causing kidney failure in dogs, but it can also induce liver failure. There are many causes of liver disease and failure in dogs. Certain breeds are even more at risk. A common cause of canine liver failure is heartworm disease. Here are a few of the most common conditions that lead to liver disease in dogs: Infectious hepatitis: Hepatitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the liver. Some of … In some cases, such as that of a young dog with a portosystemic shunt, surgery can correct the defect and your dog can go on to lead a long, healthy life. A dog develops liver disease when any of their liver's functions are disrupted. The oxidative processes of the liver make it the main place where free radicals accumulate. Canine herpesvirus causes severe, often fatal liver disease in puppies. Here are some possible causes of liver disease in dogs. It helps with digestion and blood clotting, and it removes toxins from their system. Your dog's treatment will depend on how soon you catch the problem and what caused it. Your dog needs approximately 20% of normal liver function to survive. Primary liver cancer accounts for less than 1.5% of all tumors in dogs. Other causes of liver disease may include: Some plants and herbs such as ragwort, certain mushrooms, and blue-green algae Leptospirosis, … Old age may be a cause of liver damage. If normal liver function falls below 20%, the disease becomes terminal. In older dogs, we more commonly see acquired shunts, which develop when there is a blood pressure backup in the li… This range of conditions includes pancreas issues, diabetes, long-term use of painkillers, fatty foods, and/or untreated heartworms. It is more common in dogs than in cats. The excess adrenaline causes an increase in Alk-P, with other liver enzymes staying the same. Sometimes it's genetic. Because of its behind-the-scenes role in so many of our pets bodily functions, liver disease in dogs can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Obviously, liver disease in dogs is multifaceted problem, and medical treatment will depend on the underlying cause. You can help your dog by catching liver disease early and making small changes before it becomes severe. Whenever the liver is compromised, the life of your dog is in serious jeopardy. Medications and chemicals: Medications containing acetaminophen can damage the liver in dogs. Causes of Liver Failure in Dogs. Some breeds, like Doberman Pinschers and West Highland Terriers, are at higher risk of liver disease according to studies. (Here’s my in-depth article on cushings disease). Chronic hepatitis in Doberman Pinschers is an inherited, copper associated disease that affects female dogs more than males. And don't let your dog roam free in areas where there may be poisonous plants or insects. (Don't leave your pet in a hot car!) The liver plays an important role in digesting food. Liver disease can also be due to congenital conditions. Some diseases and medications can hurt your dog's liver. Often dogs present the typical symptoms of live… The liver detoxifies blood, metabolizes energy sources, produces acids necessary for digestion, stores vitamins and glycogen, and manufactures proteins for blood clotting. A multi-purpose organ, the liver plays an important behind-the-scenes role in our bodies and the same is true for our dogs. They're similar to those for other problems. The liver is very important for ensuring a long, healthy life. Bile duct obstruction presents from generalized inflammation, an infection, a tumor, or even a disorder of the muscles that control the organs. Treatment for liver disease in dogs depends on the cause, the severity of the condition, the extent of liver damage, and how early the disease is found. Liver disease in dogs can be caused by a variety of things. This genetic disease predisposes these breeds to chronic hepatic disease characterized by copper accumulation in the liver. Some diseases and medications can hurt your dog's liver. The vet may want to do blood tests and X-rays or an ultrasound to get a picture of what is going on with your dog's liver. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It's easy to miss the symptoms of liver disease. This can be prevented, however, with preventative medication. When cirrhosis occurs, scar tissue replaces functioning liver cells. Ingestion of toxic chemicals (pesticides, household cleaners, antifreeze, etc.) Chihuahuas and Terriers, as well as some other toy breeds, are prone to getting fatty liver disease. Viral or bacterial infection Infectious canine hepatitis, caused by canine adenovirus 1, can cause longterm inflammation and scarring of the liver in addition to causing death of liver tissue. A portosy… Here are a few of the most common. The liver is an important organ for your dog. Liver cancer is less common than metastatic cancer in … Depending on the severity of the illness, dogs can live comfortably for years after a diagnosis. Liver disease in older dogs – conclusion Even if a large percentage of a liver is diseased, it has a remarkable way of still working. ", Canine Liver Disease Foundation: "Types and Causes of Liver Disease.". If it's not working right, it can make your companion sick. Fatty liver disease is a condition which occurs most often in cats, but dogs can also suffer from it, even though the incidence is lower.Also called hepatic lipidosis, the fatty liver disease is a condition which is characterized by excessive fat in the liver cells, abnormal bile flow in the liver … How exactly does liver disease occur? It purifies the blood, eliminates waste and aids healthy digestion. Chronic hepatitis is a longterm inflammation of the liver. Lets learn … The liver is susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions. Vessel Abnormalities: In young dogs, one of the most common liver disorders is a birth defect called congenital portosystemic shunt. Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Dog Drooling and Salivary Gland Problems in Dogs, How to Spot Pancreatitis and Get It Treated, Dog Stomach Swelling and Pain: Causes and Treatments, Ascites (a buildup of fluid in the belly), Some plants and herbs such as ragwort, certain mushrooms, and blue-green algae, Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease dogs can get through direct contact with urine from infected animals or through water, soil, or food contaminated with their urine. For instance, breeds including Yorkshire Terriers, Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and German Shepherds are prone to copper storage disease where copper … Congenital portosystemic shunts are suspected in young dogs who have stunted growth, develop seizures, or seem disoriented. At these stages, your dog’s liver may function, albeit with disabilities. Like with all health conditions, age and genetics can be major contributors, however, there are also many other causes of liver disease to be aware of. The most common type of cancer to originate in the liver is hepatocellular carcinoma. Vomiting. These infections can cause the liver to swell, hindering its ability to perform its normal functions. Prevention is the best defense against liver disease and being aware of contributing factors can help you protect your dog. Sometimes liver disease can happen as a result of aging. Other possible causes may include: Several breeds of dogs are predisposed to this condition, … Take them to the vet for their yearly exams and vaccinations (including one that protects against leptospirosis). Liver disease has many different causes, depending on the type. Viral diseases of dogs associated with liver dysfunction include infectious canine hepatitis and canine herpesvirus. 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