Liver Disease in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

A dog’s liver plays a central role in their body by filtering toxins from the blood, supporting digestion, storing nutrients, and regulating metabolism. 

Liver disease in dogs is a serious condition that can disrupt these essential functions and affect many other systems throughout the body. Because early signs can be subtle, it’s important to know what to watch for and when to contact your veterinarian. Here’s what pet parents should know about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease in dogs. 

What Is Liver Disease in Dogs?

A dog’s liver has many functions. It removes toxic substances from the blood, helps break down medications, processes energy, stores vitamins and glycogen (stored form of glucose), makes bile to aid in digestion, and creates important proteins needed for blood clotting. 

Liver disease is an umbrella term for numerous conditions that prevent a dog’s liver from functioning properly. 

These conditions can cause inflammation or damage within the liver. They may originate in the liver itself or develop as a result of another medical condition. 

Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs

One of the most common symptoms of liver disease is jaundice, which causes a yellowish coloring to appear in a dog's eyes, gums, skin, and ears. 

The liver is responsible for discharging bilirubin, a by-product from the breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver isn’t functioning normally, this bilirubin builds up in the blood and leads to jaundice in dogs. 

Other common symptoms of liver disease include gastrointestinal signs, such as: 

• Decreased appetite 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Weight loss 
• Increased drinking 
• Increased urination 
• Changes in stool color, such as gray or yellow stool 
• Fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites) 

Hepatic encephalopathy is a secondary condition to liver disease. This condition encompasses a group of neurologic symptoms that occur in dogs with liver disease. These symptoms include: 

• Seizures 
• Disorientation 
• Depression 
• Head pressing 
• Blindness 
• Behavioral changes 

Types of Canine Liver Diseases

There are many different conditions that can result in liver disease in dogs. 

These can be primary (due to an issue with the liver itself) or secondary (another condition or disease which is affecting the liver). These conditions often result in inflammation or damage to the liver.  

Vessel Abnormalities 

In young pups, one of the most common liver disorders is a birth defect called congenital portosystemic shunt or “liver shunt.” 

When this occurs, a blood vessel bypasses the liver, causing a buildup of toxins. Congenital portosystemic shunts are often found in young dogs who have stunted growth, developed seizures, or are disoriented. 

Acquired shunts are more common in older dogs, which develop when there’s a blood pressure backup in the liver due to high blood pressure (hypertension) or cirrhosis. To get around the blocked section, new vessels grow to bypass the area. 

A dog’s treatment depends on the size and location of the shunt(s). If it consists of one large vessel outside of the liver (this is more common with congenital shunts in small breed dogs), surgery may be successful. 

Shunts inside the liver or those with many vessels may not be fixed with surgery. If this happens and the liver disease can’t be cured, your vet will focus on managing the condition. Your dog must be given a low protein diet and medications to help decrease the toxins in their blood. 

Endocrine Diseases 

Certain diseases that affect the endocrine glands—which control the body’s hormones—can lead to liver issues. Diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), and hyperthyroidism can all cause impaired liver function. 

If your pup is impacted by one of these diseases, your vet will focus on treating the underlying endocrine disease. This is the most important part of improving liver function. 

Infectious Diseases 

Because all blood passes through the liver, it’s vulnerable to infectious (contagious) diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. 

The most common viral disease associated with dogs’ liver is canine hepatitis, an infectious condition that can cause inflammation and scarring of the organ. This is a vaccine-preventable disease. 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to liver disease, though many associate it with kidney disease. Dogs are infected with leptospirosis through contaminated water sources, and the disease can be spread to humans. Leptospirosis can be difficult to diagnosis and even with treatment may result in permanent secondary liver and kidney damage.  

Coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis are the most common fungal causes of liver disease. Dogs are exposed through inhaling or ingesting the spores in the environment, such as when hiking in areas with these fungi. 

These infections can be difficult to cure and often need to be treated with antifungal medications for months. Because of the difficulty in treating fungal disease of the liver, the long-term prognosis is guarded. 

Liver Masses 

Dogs are prone to several types of liver masses.  

Liver cysts can be present from birth, though some dogs may get them as they age. While cysts are often benign (noncancerous), large or growing cysts can cause symptoms of liver disease. The surgical removal of these large cysts typically cures a pup’s liver issues. 

Liver Cancer 

Cancer of the liver comes in two main forms— primary tumors originating in the liver, and metastatic (secondary) tumors, which spread from another area in the body. 

Primary tumors are less common than metastatic ones. Depending on the type of cancer, location, and number of masses, treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments. 

Breed-Specific Liver Diseases in Dogs 

Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to specific liver conditions. Copper storage disease is a known problem in Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Skye Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers. 

These breeds may have a metabolic defect that causes copper to remain in the liver, leading to chronic hepatitis. Amyloidosis, caused by an abnormally formed protein that builds up in the cells, is a disease of Chinese Shar-Pei. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Liver Disease in Dogs

If your pet is jaundiced or experiencing any of the other clinical signs above, your vet will likely want to start with blood work.  

A serum chemistry panel will help assess your dog’s liver values and guide the veterinarian if liver disease is a concern.  

Additional testing may include advanced blood tests, such as liver function tests or screening tests for Cushing’s or hyperthyroidism. 

Your vet may also recommend abdominal X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound to better visualize the liver and check for abnormalities. Your pup may potentially need a sampling or biopsy of their liver. This is often done surgically while under anesthesia to get the best sample for an accurate diagnosis. It may not be appropriate for all dogs, particularly those who are severely ill.  

Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs 

Elevated liver enzymes are higher-than-normal levels of certain enzymes in a dog’s blood that show up on a serum chemistry panel. Depending on which enzymes are elevated, they may point to liver-cell injury, inflammation, or problems with bile flow. 

While it can be a frightening result to hear from your vet, raised liver levels do not necessarily mean a dog has liver failure or even primary liver disease. Certain medications and other health conditions can also affect these values, so your veterinarian will consider the specific enzymes, degree of elevation, symptoms, and other test results when determining the next steps. 

Treatment of Liver Disease in Dogs

Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the disease, and whether permanent liver damage has occurred. 

Early Diagnosis and Treatment Are Key 

The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, so identifying and treating liver disease before significant damage occurs may improve a dog’s outlook. For mild to moderate liver disease, treatment may include: 

• Treating the underlying cause, which may involve antibiotics, addressing an endocrine disorder, or stopping or changing a medication under veterinary guidance 
• Dietary changes, such as a veterinary diet tailored to the dog’s condition 
• Liver-support medications or supplements, such as SAMe or milk thistle to help protect liver cells from oxidative damage, or ursodiol to improve bile flow when appropriate. Always talk to your vet before giving your dog a new supplement. 

• Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications, such as prednisone, prednisolone, or cyclosporine, for suspected immune-mediated chronic hepatitis after other possible causes have been ruled out. Steroids should be used cautiously in dogs with liver disease and only as directed by your vet to prevent worsening of the condition. 
• Copper-restricted diets or medications that remove excess copper, for dogs with copper-associated liver disease 
• Regular blood work and follow-up testing to monitor the dog’s response to treatment 

Veterinary Diets for Dogs With Liver Disease 

Some dogs with liver disease may benefit from a therapeutic diet tailored to their diagnosis. Depending on the condition, these diets may contain controlled amounts of protein, copper, fat, or sodium. Because every liver condition has different nutritional needs, only feed a veterinary diet recommended by your veterinarian. 

One option is JustFoodForDogs Veterinary Diet Hepatic Support Low Fat, a prescription, fresh-frozen food formulated with controlled, highly digestible protein and restricted copper. 

Several brands offer veterinary diets formulated for dogs with liver disease. Talk to your veterinarian about which diet best suits your dog’s specific diagnosis and nutritional needs. 

Medical Management of Chronic Liver Disease 

Chronic liver disease requires ongoing care, but it does not necessarily mean a dog is experiencing liver failure. Depending on the underlying condition and extent of the damage, some dogs can maintain a good quality of life for months or years. 

Dogs with chronic liver disease may need long-term dietary changes, medication, supplements, and regular veterinary monitoring. Their treatment plan may change over time if the disease progresses or complications develop, such as hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding problems, or abdominal fluid buildup. 

Treatment of Severe Liver Disease and Liver Failure in Dogs 

Severe liver disease does not always mean the liver has failed. Liver failure occurs when the liver can no longer perform enough of its essential functions to support the body. It may develop suddenly following a toxin exposure, infection, or other acute injury, or occur as chronic liver disease progresses. 

Dogs with severe liver disease or liver failure typically require hospitalization and close monitoring. Treatment may include: 

• Intravenous fluids, which may contain electrolytes or dextrose, to correct dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or low blood sugar 
• Small, frequent meals or feeding-tube support, using a diet tailored to the dog’s condition, if they cannot eat enough on their own 
• Antinausea medications, such as maropitant or ondansetron, to control vomiting, limit further fluid loss, and help the dog resume eating 
• Lactulose and certain antibiotics to manage hepatic encephalopathy 
• Vitamin K or blood transfusions when clinically significant bleeding or clotting problems occur 
• Medications or procedures to manage fluid buildup in the abdomen 
• Cause-specific treatment, such as an antidote for certain toxins or antibiotics for an infection 

The veterinary team will closely monitor the dog’s blood sugar, clotting ability, neurological status, and response to treatment. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, the complications present, the amount of functional liver tissue remaining, and how quickly the dog responds to treatment.  

Your vet may discuss with you if your pet has a good quality of life and if they are likely to improve, even with intensive treatment. Liver disease can be fatal in those cases. 

Prevention of Liver Disease in Dogs

Not all cases of liver disease can be prevented, but certain precautions can reduce the risk of specific diseases. 

Discuss with your vet which diseases (such as leptospirosis) your pet should be vaccinated for and if you live in an area with high risk of fungal or other types of infections.    

It’s important to understand and recognize the signs of liver disease. If you notice anything concerning about your pup, see your vet as soon as possible. 

Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors in curing liver disease and preventing serious illness in your furry companion.