Cirrhosis is liver damage, not a disease of the liver itself. Although the science behind its occurrence in dogs is still unknown, cirrhosis seems to be caused by many problems. In order to receive the proper treatment, the dog needs a clear diagnosis from a vet. Cirrhosis in dogs will not improve by itself.
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Causes
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Cirrhosis can happen after the dog has been suffering from leptosporiasis, from ingesting poison or as a side effect of long term use of some drugs, such as anti-seizure medications and corticosteroids. Larry P. Thornburg, VMD also states that some dogs are born with deformities of the liver which can lead to cirrhosis. But the most common cause is hepatitis. There are three types of canine hepatitis, called canine infectious hepatitis, copper associated hepatitis and idiopathic chronic hepatitis.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of cirrhosis vary depending on the cause. Sometimes in the course of being treated for something else, cirrhosis may be discovered. Common symptoms of a dog suffering liver damage are vomiting, loss of appetite, swollen or tender abdomen, fever, diarrhea, drinking and urinating far more frequently than usual.
Warning
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According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al, 2007), if left untreated, cirrhosis can cause liver shunts in dogs. In a healthy dog, blood from the intestines flows to the liver through veins. But if the dog has a shunt, this blood flow is stopped. Some toxins such as ammonia cannot be filtered from the body properly and the dog risks going into shock and dying.
Prevention/Treatment
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Fortunately, vaccinations exist for leptosporiasis and infectious canine hepatits. Those are the only two known causes of cirrhosis in dogs that can be easily prevented. Treatment depends on the cause. For copper associated hepatitis, a change in diet is usually all that is needed. Other types may need antibiotics or an immunosuppressant drug.
Breeds
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According to Mike Richards, DVM, some breeds of dogs are more prone to getting copper associated hepatitis that can cause cirrhosis in dogs. These breeds include standard poodles, Dobermans, cocker spaniels, Labrador retrievers, west highland white terriers, Skye terriers and Bedlington terriers. But he also notes that copper associated hepatitis in dogs, as well as idiopathic chronic hepatitis, can occur in any breed and to crossbreeds.
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