Liver Disease
The liver detoxifies, metabolises drugs, and produces proteins. Liver disease ranges from reversible inflammation to chronic failure.
What is Liver Disease?
The liver has enormous reserve capacity, so disease often progresses silently until 70–80% of function is affected. Causes include chronic hepatitis, toxins and medications, endocrine disease (Cushing's, diabetes), infections, gallbladder disease, congenital shunts, and cancer. Some breeds carry copper storage disorders that damage the liver over time.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Reduced appetite and gradual weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Yellow tint to gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice)
- Distended abdomen (fluid accumulation)
- Behavioural changes or disorientation (hepatic encephalopathy)
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Predisposed breeds: Bedlington Terrier, Dobermann, West Highland White Terrier, Labrador, Cocker Spaniel
- Long-term medications processed by the liver (corticosteroids, phenobarbital, some antifungals)
- Middle-aged to senior dogs
- Untreated Cushing's disease or diabetes
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: your dog has vague, persistent GI signs or you notice a yellow tint anywhere.
- Seek urgent care if: collapse, severe vomiting, obvious jaundice, or neurological signs like head-pressing or disorientation.
Diagnosis and management
Workup typically includes liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT), bile acids testing, abdominal ultrasound, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include hepatoprotective supplements (SAMe, silybin), a modified-protein diet, antibiotics, or copper chelation. The liver can regenerate when the trigger is removed early enough, so timely diagnosis really matters.