The liver is the largest organ in the body and has many important functions. The liver is involved in building and breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. And it plays a vital role in digesting nutrients and detoxifying chemicals.

The liver is also an essential part of the immune system and plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. It is also responsible for storing vitamins and minerals.

Basically…

Since the liver has so many important functions, it goes without saying that when the liver is not working properly, there can be serious health consequences. Canine liver disease is a broad term describing a number of liver diseases in dog. Chronic liver inflammation in dogs is also known as canine hepatitis or hepatitis in dogs.

Early diagnosis of canine liver disease is important, i.e. so the condition can be treated or at least managed.

There are many possible causes for dog liver disease. The cause can be genetic, i.e. your dog may have been unlucky in the "gene lottery". Liver disease is also more common among older pets. However, any dog can develop liver disease.

Common causes for liver disease in dogs include:

- Trauma to the area, e.g. if the dog is hit by a car

- Infection (bacteria, viruses and fungi), e.g. infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis

- Diseases like diabetes, cushing's disease, hyperthyroidism and pancreatitis can cause secondary liver changes

- Some medication can also cause liver health problems, e.g. long-term use of painkillers like Tylenol and prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pets (NSAIDs)

Canine liver disease symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of many other diseases. The symptoms can also vary greatly and can be subtle in the early stages. It is therefore easy to miss the symptoms but they commonly include some of the following:

- Loss of appetite (most common symptom)

- Weight loss

- Vomiting and / or diarrhoea

- Blood (in the pee or poop)

- Excessive thirst and/or urination

- Ascites (build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity)

- Drooling

- Jaundice (yellowish eyes, tongue, or gums)

- Lethargy

- Seizures

- Fever

- Confusion

- Unstable walk

- Circling, wandering and/or pacing

- Head pressing

- Increased aggression

- Blindness

If you at any time suspect your pet may be suffering from liver disease see your Vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean all the difference for your pet.

Some dog breeds are more susceptible of getting canine liver disease than others are. These include many Terriers breeds, Maltese, Schnauzers, Keeshonds, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinscher, Cocker Spaniel, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and German Shepherds.

Most forms of liver disease are more common in older animals (middle age to old), but congenital liver diseases are more common in younger dogs.

Free roaming dogs are at more risk of being hit by car causing acute blunt trauma to the liver. They are also likely to have more access to chemicals and poisonous plants that can cause liver damage.

The prognosis for your pet depends on the severity and length of time of liver pathology. This is why early diagnosis is so important. For formal diagnosis, your Vet will take blood tests and most likely do an X-ray or ultrasound to get a better picture of what is going on in your dog's liver.

The liver has amazing healing capacities so most canine liver disease can be successfully treated. The treatment options depend on the condition and severity of the disease.

Unfortunately, some types of liver disease are incurable, but with supportive care, the patient may still be able to live a comfortable, though shortened, life. For example, prognosis for liver cancer in dogs is still poor so the treatment is more about managing the disease as best possible.