Liver Disease

What is liver disease?

The liver is an amazing organ with more than 500 vital bodily functions. The liver is an integral part of energy metabolism, aids in digestion, regulates blood clotting, clears the blood of medications or other substances, makes immune factors, produces proteins, and stores products and blood for future use. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, and replace damaged tissue with new cells. 

Causes of liver disease include infections, aging, genetic factors, toxins, medication side-effects, inflammation, gallbladder disease, immune-mediated or metabolic disorders, and cancer. Most liver disease is acquired over time, but certain breeds are at risk for congenital disorders. 

What are common liver disease signs in dogs?

Early signs include:

• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Intermediate to advanced signs include: 

• Weight loss
• Increased drinking and urination
• Yellow gums
• Distended abdomen
• Seizures or disorientation

How is liver disease managed in dogs?  

The primary cause of liver disease should first be identified and treated, with the overall goal of making it easier for the liver to regenerate new cells. This can include prescription diets, medications to cleanse the liver, supplements to protect cells from damage, and possibly steroids or antibiotics. Severe liver disease may require hospitalization or surgery. Dogs with liver disease need regular veterinary visits and diagnostic monitoring. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and an internal medicine specialist, is important for the best outcome for your dog. 

What is the prognosis for dogs with liver disease?

The prognosis depends on the successful treatment of the disease’s primary cause. Mild disease that is caught early and treated appropriately has a good prognosis, while longer-term liver damage can result in fibrous scarring (i.e., cirrhosis), which prevents the formation of new liver cells. Diseases such as liver cancer carry a poorer prognosis. 

Management tips for dogs with liver disease    

At-home needs include:

• Easy access to food and water, and a comfortable location
• Consistency with prescribed medications or supplements
• Strict adherence to a prescription diet
• Monitoring for changes in gum color, appetite, energy, drinking, urination, or defecation

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your dog safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, yellow gums, a distended abdomen, disorientation, or seizures; collapses; or vocalizes in pain. 

Before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this difficult time.