How Liver Function Can Affect the Hair Growth in Dogs

The liver is a vital organ in dogs, as in humans, that assists in a number of functions, including blood detoxification, creation of bile to assist in digestion and removal of excess waste. Liver disease is one of the top four causes of non-accidental death in dogs and is most prevalent in dogs ages 6 and older because of effects of genetics and long-term environmental exposure.

  1. Significance

    • The liver plays an important role in nearly all of the functions in a canine's body. As the largest organ, the liver works closely with the lymphatic, circulatory and endocrine systems of the body to accomplish multiple functions vital to life.

    Links to Hair Loss

    • Although hair loss is not a typical symptom of liver disease in dogs, epidermal metabolic necrosis may present itself with the formation of lesions on dogs, leading to hair loss. Epidermal metabolic necrosis is a rare skin disease that is also called diabetic dermatopathy, hepatocutaneous syndrome, necrolytic migratory erythema and superficial necrolytic dermatitis. The disease is most commonly characterized by scaling, crusting and cracking of skin on and around the paw pads and leads to redness, scaling and ulceration of the skin near the muzzle, joints, abdomen and genitalia. The prognosis for cure of epidermal metabolic necrosis is poor, because the disease is caused only by a major underlying health problem such as liver disease, pancreatic tumors or diabetes.

    Treatment

    • Hair loss caused by epidermic metabolic necrosis may be treated by ultimately treating the underlying condition, such as liver disease or diabetes. Upon noticing any abnormal hair loss or lesions on your dog, seek the immediate consultation of a veterinarian. Many of the underlying causes may be fatal if left untreated.

    Considerations

    • There is seemingly no direct link between hair growth and liver function in dogs. However, poor liver function left undiagnosed or untreated may eventually cause skin disorders leading to hair loss.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Canine liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, from genetics to trauma to cancer. You may be able to help prevent liver disease in your dog by feeding her a protein-rich diet, ensuring good oral health through teeth brushing and visiting a veterinarian for an annual checkup.