Hepatitis in Dogs: Common Signs and How Vets Treat It

Hepatitis in dogs refers to inflammation of the liver. Veterinarians consider hepatitis a syndrome rather than a single disease because it has many different types and causes. 

What Is Hepatitis in Dogs?

Your dog's liver plays an important role in digestion, filters toxins from the blood, stores energy, and makes proteins that help with blood clotting.  

Inflammation of the liver interferes with these functions, and this can have far-reaching effects on  your dog’s health. 

The most common form of hepatitis in dogs is chronic hepatitis, a slow, progressive form of the disease that gradually damages liver cells. As normal cells die, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue in a process called fibrosis. Fibrosis is irreversible, and when a significant portion of liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, it’s called cirrhosis. 

Hepatitis can become a medical emergency if your dog has liver failure or complications of poor liver function, such as internal bleeding, buildup of toxins like ammonia in the blood, or fluid gathering in the abdomen.  

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. 

Symptoms of Hepatitis in Dogs

Dogs with hepatitis may not look or act sick in the early stages. As the disease progresses, however, pet parents may notice: 

• Loss of appetite 

• Vomiting or diarrhea 

• Increased thirst and urination 

• Lethargy or weakness 

• Weight loss 

• Yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes (jaundice) 

• Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites) 

• Dark-colored urine 

• Bleeding or bruising 

• Behavioral changes, disorientation, or seizures from the buildup of toxins in the blood 

Your vet may find higher liver enzymes on routine blood work before any visible symptoms appear. 

Causes of Hepatitis in Dogs

In most cases of chronic hepatitis in dogs, no specific cause is found. This type of hepatitis is called idiopathic chronic hepatitis.  

Other causes of hepatitis may include: 

• A reaction to medications 

• Bacterial infection, such as leptospirosis 

• Infectious canine hepatitis (viral disease) 

• Exposure to toxins or chemicals 

• Copper buildup in the liver 

• Immune system dysfunction 

Many breeds are at a higher risk for getting chronic hepatitis, including: 

• Bedlington Terriers 

• Labrador Retrievers 

• Cocker Spaniels 

• Doberman Pinschers 

• Skye Terriers 

• Standard Poodles 

• Springer Spaniels 

• Chihuahuas 

• Maltese 

• West Highland White Terriers  

Middle-aged and older dogs are most often diagnosed, and some research suggests that female dogs may be affected more often than males. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Hepatitis in Dogs

Veterinarians use a combination of tests to diagnose hepatitis in dogs. If your vet suspects liver problems or notices changes on routine lab work, additional diagnostic testing may include: 

• Blood work: Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel to check liver enzymes and bilirubin levels (the yellow pigment in bile) 

• Urinalysis: Looks for protein or bilirubin in the urine 

• Bile acid test: Measures how well the liver processes bile after your dog eats 

• Clotting test: Checks for slow blood clotting due to liver disease 

• Abdominal ultrasound: Looks at the size, shape, and density of the liver and checks for fluid in the abdomen 

• Liver biopsy: Checks the health of liver cells and looks for excess copper to confirm a diagnosis 

Before your dog's appointment, tell your vet about any medications or supplements your dog takes; any recent changes in appetite or behavior; and whether your dog could have been exposed to toxic plants, foods, medications, or chemicals.  

If your dog will be sedated for a procedure, avoid feeding them the morning of the visit. 

Treatment of Hepatitis in Dogs

Chronic hepatitis in dogs is not usually curable. Instead, your veterinarian will focus on slowing the disease progression, reducing inflammation, improving liver function, and managing symptoms.  

The treatments recommended will depend on the cause of your dog’s hepatitis, but may include:  

• Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications, such as prednisone 

• Medications to remove copper (like D-penicillamine) 

• Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) to support bile flow 

• Supplements containing SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) or milk thistle, such as Denamarin, to protect liver cells  

• Antibiotics, such as Clavamox, for bacterial infections 

• Medications to manage complications, such as lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, or diuretics like furosemide for fluid buildup 

Your vet may also recommend a diet change to reduce copper intake and provide moderate protein levels to reduce the overall workload on the liver. 

For dogs with acute infectious hepatitis or liver failure, treatment may require hospitalization with medications and supportive care, including IV fluids, blood transfusions, and antibiotics. 

Recovery and Management of Hepatitis in Dogs

Whether a dog can recover from hepatitis depends on the type and severity of their disease. Once a dog enters liver failure, the condition may eventually become fatal. However, dogs with early hepatitis or an infectious cause who respond to treatment can live comfortably for many more months or years. 

Your vet may recommend routine blood work and frequent visits to check liver enzymes and adjust medications or liver-support supplements as needed to keep your dog healthy for as long as possible.  

Pet parents dealing with hepatitis in dogs can support their pet’s health and wellness by: 

• Giving all medications as prescribed 

• Feeding the recommended diet, such as Hill’s l/d Liver Care 

• Watching for symptoms like vomiting, appetite loss, or jaundice 

• Checking in regularly with their vet 

Prevention of Hepatitis in Dogs

Most cases of hepatitis in dogs are not preventable. However, you can help protect your dog’s liver health by:  

• Vaccinating your dog against canine adenovirus type 2, which is included in the standard DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) combination vaccine 

• Scheduling routine wellness exams and blood work to catch changes in liver enzymes early 

• Discussing breed-related health risks with your vet 

• Feeding a healthy diet and preventing exposure to toxic plants, chemicals, or human medications