Dogs are many people's best friends, so an ailment is as crushing to you as it is harmful to your best buddy. Liver failure is one of those ailments that causes extreme harm to your dog, and if not taken care of properly, liver failure may even cause death. There are several reasons why a dog experiences liver failure, from external forces to illnesses; if you suspect liver failure, immediately seek veterinarian care.
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Signs of Liver Failure
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According to Dog Health Guide, there are nine signs of liver failure in dogs. These signs include jaundice, which is the yellowing of the dog's eyes, vomiting, lethargy, appetite and weight loss, diarrhea and an increase in drinking and urination. However, the aforementioned symptoms may not appear until the advanced stage of liver failure. If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, please seek veterinarian attention. Your vet will run blood tests to check your dog's liver enzymes for abnormalities, and the vet will also run a liver function test.
Anemia
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Anemia in dogs causes oxygen to not filter through the liver properly. When oxygen does not filter through the liver cells, the dog will die.
Hepatitis
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Going to a dog park might be fun for your furry friend, but dangers may lurk that can make your dog seriously ill. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and caused by contact with other dogs, through a virus or built-up bile. According to the Canine Liver Disease Foundation, infectious hepatitis is spread via adenovirus or herpes, which is spread orally. By taking your dog to a dog park and allowing it to play with other dogs, your dog is at risk for these diseases that lead to failure. However, you can get your dog vaccinated against adenovirus and herpes.
Parasites
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Parasites can cause liver problems in dogs. As the Canine Liver Disease Foundation points out, parasite infestation depends on where you live. Parasites are more likely to infect your dog if you live near more wooded areas. Do not allowing your dog to lie in the grass or venture into a wooded area.
Heartworm
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Leaving your dog outside may leave it open to mosquito bites, which could lead to heartworm disease. Transmitted by mosquitoes, although heartworm affects your dog's heart, it can prevent blood from reaching the dog's liver when it affects the right side of the heart. Heartworm prevention medication given to your dog monthly will deter heartworm from affecting your dog. Symptoms of heartworm include coughing, heavy breathing, bloody stool and fluid buildup in your dog's stomach.
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