Liver disease in dogs

The liver is a vital organ, performing hundreds of jobs to keep your dog healthy, from removing toxins to aiding digestion.

However, because it does so much, it’s vulnerable to damage, making liver disease a common condition in dogs. It’s important to know the signs and what to expect if your dog is diagnosed. Our guide covers everything you need to know about liver disease in dogs, from causes and symptoms to treatment options, helping you care for your furry friend.

What is liver disease in dogs?

Liver disease is not a single condition, but rather the result of various underlying diseases. Instead, liver disease is a bit like kidney disease, because it refers to the gradual loss of function in the organ. Essentially, it means that your dog’s liver isn’t working as well as it should, and some of the tissues of the organ could be degrading or dying.

Liver disease vs liver failure in dogs

The distinction between liver disease and liver failure isn’t a clear one and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Typically, liver disease refers to any sort of damage, tissue changes, or inflammatory disease affecting the liver, which often results in loss of function. Liver disease can progress into liver failure.

Meanwhile, liver failure is a significant loss of function or complete failure of the organ. For a dog to be considered to be suffering from liver failure, over 70-80% of the cells in their liver would have died.

Types of liver disease

• Acute liver disease: This occurs suddenly, over a few hours or days. Many dogs who survive can go on to live a normal, healthy life.

• Chronic liver disease: This develops more slowly, over several months. The outlook depends on how well your dog responds to treatment.

• Secondary liver disease: This is when another health issue, like pancreatitis or heart failure, causes the liver to become diseased.

What causes liver disease in dogs?

There are a number of different causes of liver disease in dogs, which could include physical abnormalities or damage to the organ (such as a cyst or cancer), or the liver may be affected by another health problem.

Sometimes, the liver function can simply degrade with old age or a dog might be genetically predisposed to the condition.

Some of the causes of liver disease in dogs are:

• Old age

• Genetics

• Poisoning

• Infections

• Cysts

• Adverse reaction to drugs

• Cancer

• Trauma

• Extreme heatstroke

• Metabolic disorders

• Sepsis

• Untreated heartworm

• Portosystemic shunts

• Endocrine diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease

Causes of acute liver disease in dogs

An acute case of liver disease appears very suddenly and is often caused by a single traumatic illness or damage to the dog’s body which directly affects the liver. These include:

• Poisoning: The most common cause, often from household items like paracetamol, xylitol (a sweetener), or certain poisonous plants and mushrooms.

• Infections: Various viral, bacterial, or fungal infections like hepatitis and leptospirosis can damage the liver. Vaccinations and regular worming can help prevent these.

• Heatstroke: Extreme heatstroke can cause organ tissue to break down, leading to a loss of function in the liver and other organs.

• Metabolic disorders & Trauma: Can be caused by conditions like acute pancreatitis, or physical trauma such as an abdominal injury.

Causes of chronic liver disease

Chronic liver disease develops much more gradually and is usually the result of another long-term illness or a physical abnormality with the liver.

A dog might develop these illnesses or defects, or they could be born with them. Some of the causes of chronic liver failure are:

• Physical abnormalities: Some dogs are born with defects, while others develop issues like cysts or shunts (abnormal blood vessels) later in life.

• Other illnesses: Chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to "fatty liver disease", while long-term inflammation (chronic hepatitis) is also a common cause.

Are some dogs more at risk of liver disease?

While any dog can be affected, chronic liver disease is more common in middle-aged and older dogs. Certain breeds are also more at risk of developing specific conditions that lead to liver problems. For example, Labradors, Dalmatians, and West Highland White Terriers are prone to excess copper build-up in the liver. Meanwhile, these breeds, alongside Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles, are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis, the most common form of liver disease.

How to prevent liver disease

While you can't prevent liver disease itself, you can take steps to prevent some of its common causes, significantly lowering your dog's risk.

• Vaccinate your dog: Keep their jabs up to date to protect against diseases like hepatitis and leptospirosis.

• Dog-proof your home: Keep human medicines, toxic foods (like chocolate or anything with xylitol), and harmful houseplants well out of reach.

• Supervise them outdoors: Keep your dog on a lead or under close watch to stop them from eating wild mushrooms or other unknown items.

• Consider muzzle training: If your dog is a known scavenger, a muzzle is a safe and effective way to prevent them from eating things they shouldn't on walks, such as conkers, acorns, or poop.

Signs and symptoms of liver disease in dogs

The signs of liver disease can be tricky to spot. A dog's liver can function even when significantly damaged and can even regenerate, meaning symptoms often don't appear until the disease is advanced.

Early signs are often vague and can be mistaken for a simple tummy upset, such as weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhoea. As the condition progresses, more specific symptoms may appear.

The signs and symptoms of liver disease in dogs are:

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Increased thirst

• Increased urination

• Changes to the colour of their urine or poo (especially if it’s darker than normal)

• Bloody faeces or urine

• Lethargy

• Depression

• Weakness

• Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

• Jaundice (yellowish skin, gums, tongue, and whites of the eyes)

• Neurological symptoms

• Coagulopathy (bleeding disorders)

• Seizures

In some cases a dog with liver dysfunction can develop a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. This affects the central nervous system and causes a series of neurological symptoms.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include:

• Circling or compulsive pacing

• Aimless wandering

• Walking into walls and furniture

• Head pressing

• Vocalisation

• Difficulty training and learning

• Sudden aggression

• Depression

• Lethargy

• Confusion

• Ataxia (unsteady walk)

• Personality and behavioural changes

• Blindness

• Seizures

• Coma

There are other physical signs of hepatic encephalopathy which can also be signs of liver disease in dogs, such as changes to urine colour, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, etc.

Diagnosing liver disease in dogs

If your vet suspects liver disease after a physical examination, they will recommend further tests to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions, which may include:

• Blood tests: To assess liver function, check for anaemia, and measure enzyme and ammonia levels.

• Urine analysis: To check for bilirubin (a component of bile) and urine crystals, which can indicate liver problems.

• Imaging: X-rays or an ultrasound can be used to look at the size and shape of the liver.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the liver, either with a needle or during a small operation, to confirm the presence and type of disease.

Treatment for liver disease in dogs

Treatment for liver disease focuses on managing the symptoms, treating the underlying cause where possible, and giving the liver the best chance to regenerate. Your dog will likely be hospitalised for initial stabilisation before continuing their recovery at home.

• Initial stabilisation: This often involves intravenous (IV) fluids to combat dehydration, and in some cases, oxygen or even a blood transfusion.

• Medication: Your vet may prescribe various medicines to manage symptoms, such as anti-sickness tablets to restore appetite, gastric protectors for gut health, and antibiotics to fight or prevent infection.

• Supplements: These are crucial for recovery. Antioxidants like Vitamin E and milk thistle help reduce inflammation, while Vitamin K can be given to help with blood clotting. Other liver-protecting supplements like SAM-e may also be recommended.

• Dietary management: A specific diet is a cornerstone of treatment, focusing on high-quality, easily digestible nutrients to support regeneration without overburdening the liver. (More on this below!)

• Surgery: In some cases, an operation may be needed to fix a physical issue like a shunt or to remove a cyst or tumour.

• Rest and monitoring: Plenty of rest is essential for recovery. Your vet will also schedule regular check-ups to monitor your dog’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

The best dog food for liver disease

A carefully managed diet is essential for a dog recovering from liver disease. The goal is to provide enough calories and nutrients for regeneration, without putting extra strain on the liver. The food should also be highly palatable to encourage a poor appetite and include the following:

• High-quality, digestible protein: The diet should contain a controlled amount of protein that’s easy for the body to absorb. This provides the building blocks for repair while minimising waste products that the liver would have to process.

• Balanced fat content: The right amount of healthy fats provides a concentrated source of calories, helping your dog get the energy they need without having to eat large volumes of food.

• Rich in antioxidants: Ingredients like fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help to protect the liver from further damage.

• Adjusted meal schedule: Most dogs with liver disease benefit from being fed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ease the digestive load.

Finding the right food can feel overwhelming, but at Pure, we make it simple. Our natural dog food is made with high-quality, easily digestible protein to support your dog’s recovery without overburdening their system. We use a blend of real fruits and vegetables, packed with the antioxidants for their liver, using personalised recipes to ensure your dog gets everything they need.

If you’re worried about your dog and liver disease or have any questions about their diet, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional. For more advice on keeping your dog happy and healthy, head over to our Help page.