What Can Cause Liver Problems in a Dog?

The liver is a very important organ for dogs. It is involved in pretty much every function of the body, especially food-related functions. Liver problems are not always easy to notice and are caused by a wide variety of things, including eating things your dog is not supposed to, trauma, parasite, diseases and drugs. Liver problems are usually treatable if not too far advanced.

  1. Trauma

    • When a dog is hit in the stomach area, his liver is in danger of internal bleeding. Hits that can cause the most damage are ones like being hit by a moving car. This can cause major damage and problems for the dog's liver as well as other things.

    Parasites

    • Any worms or other parasites that are not treated in your dog can cause liver problems eventually. Heart worms, especially, cause problems for your dog's liver because they block any blood flow to and from the liver, which is very hazardous to your dog's health.

    Drugs

    • According to the Canine Liver Disease Foundation, there are several drugs that cause liver problems for your dog. These drugs include ASA, anabolic steroids, anesthetics, Anthelmintics (worming medication), antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, Glucocorticoids (cortisone), Ketaconazole (fungal treatment), parasiticides, Phenobarbital (epilepsy medication), Phenylbutazone, Rimadyl (arthritis treatment), Thiacetarsamide (heartworm treatment) and Tylenol (acetaminophen).

    Diseases

    • Many diseases that your dog contracts can be harmful to her liver. The worst disease is hepatitis because this directly attacks the liver. Other diseases that can cause liver problems are anemia because less oxygen flows to the liver and pancreatitis because the stomach enzymes irritate the liver. Other diseases that cause liver problems indirectly are Cushing's Disease, diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome in your dog.

    Cancer

    • Cancer of the liver is quite harmful and painful for your dog. Other cancers developed by your dog can also cause liver problems because of lack of blood flow to the liver and a weakened immune system. Chemotherapy for your dog and most cancer drugs are also harmful to your dog's liver.