Liver disease in dogs can be difficult to recognize at first. A dog may simply eat less, seem tired or lose weight. Others develop jaundice, abdominal swelling or neurologic changes. Because these signs can accompany many illnesses, a veterinary examination and testing are needed to identify the cause.
Early changes owners may notice
Possible warning signs include poor appetite, nausea, intermittent vomiting, weight loss, reduced energy and changes in drinking. Some dogs show no obvious illness when routine bloodwork first identifies elevated liver enzymes. A raised enzyme level does not necessarily mean the liver is failing; it tells the veterinarian to look more closely.
More serious signs
Yellow eyes, skin or gums (jaundice), marked belly enlargement, unusual bruising or bleeding, black stools, disorientation, seizures and severe weakness need prompt or emergency evaluation. Confusion or head pressing can sometimes occur with liver-related neurologic complications. Never assume these signs will resolve after a change in diet.
What can cause liver problems?
Infections, inflammatory conditions, toxins, gallbladder disease, abnormal blood flow, cancers and problems elsewhere in the body can affect liver tests or function. Dogs exposed to certain medications or supplements may need a drug-history review. The cause matters because treatments differ substantially.
How veterinarians investigate
Initial assessment may include a complete blood count, chemistry tests and urinalysis. Your veterinarian may recommend bile acid testing, imaging, clotting tests or specialist referral when findings warrant them. A single “liver number” is rarely enough to decide a course of treatment. The VCA liver-testing guide describes how different results provide different information.
What should you do at home?
- Keep a record of appetite, energy, vomiting, medication use and weight.
- Give only treatments prescribed for your dog; do not try a human liver supplement or detox regimen.
- Ask which foods are appropriate rather than automatically restricting protein.
- Make sure veterinary rechecks happen on schedule.
- Use emergency care for collapse, neurologic changes, significant bleeding or severe illness.
What treatment looks like
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment might focus on an infection, inflammation, a gallbladder problem, nutrition or complications. Some dogs require hospitalization; others are managed with home care and monitoring. Our liver home-care guide explains why “natural” approaches cannot replace a diagnosis.
References: VCA, Testing for Liver Disease and VCA, Chronic Hepatitis in Dogs. Educational information only.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.