Signs & Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver in Dogs

A dog's liver is responsible for carbohydrate, fat, vitamin and hormone metabolism, as well as the maintenance of red blood cells. The liver also manufactures many of the amino acids and proteins involved in the dog's body functions. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver fails to regenerate new cells and scar tissue forms instead. Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease and can take weeks or months to manifest in noticeable symptoms.

  1. Vomiting and Diarrhea

    • Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dog may be suffering from cirrhosis. The damaged liver reduces the animal's ability to maintain the gastric mucosal barrier, causing gastritis and gastric ulceration. In such cases, the dog should have its food withheld.

    Jaundice

    • The impaired liver function associated with cirrhosis can result in jaundice. Jaundice can be identified by a yellow discoloration of the animal's gums and other body tissue. Jaundice is the result of the liver's failure to remove bilirubin from the blood. Bilirubin is the yellow product resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells.

    Black Stools

    • A cirrhotic dog may produce black stools that seem tarry in their composition. This is due to the presence of digested blood. The failing liver is unable to maintain its upkeep of red blood cells, resulting in blood that does not coagulate.

    Other Signs

    • A cirrhotic dog may shows signs of being excessively thirsty and may also urinate more frequently. Other signs include a loss of appetite, seizures, blindness, an enlarged abdomen, lack of energy, constipation and skin lesions showing ulcerative inflammation. Some dogs may show neurological dysfunction that is exhibited in behaviors such as head pressing and circling.