Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulceration, diarrhea, seizures or other neurologic problems, fever, blood clotting problems, jaundice (a yellow tinge noticeable in the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes), fluid collection in the abdomen, excessive urination and ...
Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs.
Liver disease in dogs prognosis
Chronic hepatitis cases can have an average survival rate of 2 to 3 years, depending on the severity of symptoms and how well the liver responds to treatment.
Any breed of dog or cat may suffer acute hepatic failure as the result of toxic, nutritional or infectious causes.
Causes of Liver Failure in Dogs
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.
Some dogs with certain chronic liver diseases can still have a fair to good prognosis. Although they may need special food or medications long term, these dogs can still make many happy memories with their parents. However, for patients with end-stage liver failure or cancer, the prognosis is usually poor.
Early and middle-stage liver disease in dogs can be managed with the right treatments, and your dog may still enjoy a good quality of life. When the disease has progressed to the third stage, and your dog's symptoms are no longer manageable, your veterinarian will likely suggest relieving suffering with euthanasia.
Normal functioning of the liver does not seem to change significantly in dogs and cats as a result of age. Despite this, older dogs and cats are at greater risk for the development of liver disease.
Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. It can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure.
Liver disease can lead to an unusually foul odor, which is distinctly different from the bad breath associated with periodontal disease. Dogs with liver disease usually present with other symptoms, such as vomiting, yellowing of the corneas and gum (jaundice), and a lack of appetite.
Liver Disease: The liver has many different jobs including protein and hormone production, detoxifying the blood, and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and drugs. As a result, if the liver is failing there are several different pathways that can lead to a dog urinating excessively and drinking excessively.
Cirrhosis can occur in dogs of any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older dogs. Some breeds such as cocker spaniels, Doberman pinschers, and Labrador retrievers are more commonly affected by it.
Fortunately, liver disease can be effectively managed and progression limited. Many dogs go on to live happily, years after their diagnosis. Proper nutrition and continuous dialogue with your veterinarian are key to managing your dog's liver disorder.
However, those with complications of end-stage liver disease have a typical survival time of between 30 days and one year, depending on the patient.
When liver damage progresses to an advanced stage, fluid collects in the legs, called edema, and in the abdomen, called ascites. Ascites can lead to bacterial peritonitis, a serious infection. When the liver slows or stops producing the proteins needed for blood clotting, a person will bruise or bleed easily.
Unfortunately, no treatment currently exists for liver disease in dogs and cats unless a specific toxin is identified. Supportive care includes intravenous fluids and force-feeding (force-feeding is the treatment of choice for cats with hepatic lipidosis), generally through a gastrostomy (stomach) tube for 2-3 months.
Symptoms of Liver Inflammation in Dogs
The most common (though not exhaustive) symptoms include: Yellowing skin, mucus membranes and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Swollen and/or painful abdomen. Lethargy.
First Stage – Abnormal inflammation, can typically be treated with medicine or diet changes. Second Stage – Fibrosis, the liver begins to harden, but can still be treated and typically reversed. Third Stage – Cirrhosis, permanent liver scarring. Final Stage – Liver failure, the liver is unable to function properly.
Sometimes liver disease can happen as a result of aging. Sometimes it's genetic. But it can also be brought on by infection or trauma to the area. Some diseases and medications can hurt your dog's liver.
Abnormal liver enzyme levels can usually be detected in blood tests. In isolated cases it may be possible to surgical remove then affected lobe, however this is difficult. The prognosis in most cases is poor, deterioration is rapid once clinical signs develop and death usually results within 3-4 months.
Poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy, increased drinking and urination, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin, seizures, and fluid build-up in the abdomen can all be signs of liver disease.
Diet—Low-protein and/or high-sodium diets cause an increase in urination. Increased activity—Exercise causes water loss, leading to thirst. The more a dog drinks, the more they may urinate. Heat—Dogs will drink more when the weather is warmer, sometimes leading to increased urination.
Dogs with liver failure often have breath that smells like a dead animal. Some of the symptoms that are present in liver disease include: Vomiting.