Canine liver disease is one of the top non-accidental causes of death in dogs. Because the liver is involved in just about every chemical process that occurs in an animal's body, it is exposed to a large variety of infectious agents, as well as existing diseases and toxins.
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The Liver
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The liver is the largest organ in the body and is fundamentally responsible for keeping the body functioning properly. It maintains the immune system to keep the body healthy and disease-free. The liver removes bacteria, germs, and poisons from the body and blood, and controls blood clotting. It detoxifies waste and creates bile, which assists with the absorption of fats and certain vitamins.
Origins
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Among the primary origins of liver disease in canines are infectious canine hepatitis and cancer, trauma, pancreatitis and certain parasites, such as heartworms and toxins.
Symptoms
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The most frequent symptoms observed in dogs with liver problems include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), loss of energy, weight or appetite, and abdominal swelling. Orange urine is a sign of liver disease caused by the inadequate processing of bile.
Tests
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Blood tests measure liver enzyme levels and other markers for liver problems. Additional diagnostic tests may include urinanalysis, bile acid response test, ultrasound or liver biopsy.
Treatment
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The diet for a dog with liver disease of any kind should be low in sodium and copper, and high in protein and vitamins. Sodium intake should be reduced, which may involved the use of diuretics, and antibiotics may be prescribed, depending upon the source of the problem. Chemotherapy may be the recommended course of treatment for liver cancer.
The term "hepatitis" actually means, "inflamed liver." Canine hepatitis can be chronic or infectious. It can be caused by trauma, viruses, bacteria, bile, exposure to toxins or ingestion of toxins. Treatment requires a change in diet to limit the ingestion of copper, plus anti-inflammatory medications to lessen liver inflammation.
Toxins
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Anti-convulsant medications cause liver disease in 6 to 15 percent of the dogs receiving them. These drugs include phenobarbital, primidone and phentoin. There are literally thousands of chemicals that are potentially poisonous to the liver, including these commonly prescribed drugs: Rimadyl (for arthritis), Thiacetarsamide (for heartworms), Ketaconazole (for fungi), cortisone, acetaminophen (pain relievers) and some epilepsy medications.
A number of non-prescription substances are toxic to dogs when injested, including some plants, certain human foods and many chemical-based products, such as anti-freeze.
Prevention
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A diet of high-quality dog food with no animal by-products, fillers or allergens will give your dog a strong, healthy foundation. Annual exams should include blood, stool and urine tests, which will help identify the onset liver disease or any other existing problems your dog may be experiencing.
You know your dog best. If you observe any changes in vigor, appetite, weight, behavior, or elimination patterns, ask your vet if she believes a liver panel might be in order.
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