A lack of appetite is likely if a dog with liver failure is uncomfortable, in pain, or vomiting. Additional symptoms of liver failure in dogs may include lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Its important for dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver failure and to seek veterinary care promptly if they suspect their pet may be affected. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pet Health Checker . It is essential that your veterinarian monitor your pet regularly if he or she has liver disease in order to control the symptoms. Diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause liver failure in dogs. As scar tissue crowds out healthy liver tissue, your liver may not work as well over time. Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat. Brain Disorder Due to Liver Disease in Dogs, Clotting Deficiency (Liver Related) in Dogs, Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool (hematochezia), Nervous system: hepatic encephalopathy (brain disease related to liver failure), Hepatobiliary: the liver plus the gallbladder; jaundice, necrosis (tissue death) of the liver cells and bile duct cells, Renal: the tubules of the kidney may be injured from toxins/metabolites, Immune/Lymphatic/Hemic: imbalances in the blood and lymphatic systems, may lead to coagulant (clotting) complications, Irregularities in thrombocytes (clot promoting blood platelets), Abnormally high liver enzyme activity, or liver enzymes spilling out into the bloodstream, signaling liver damage tests will look for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes in the bloodstream, as well as an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and declining levels of aminotransferases (enzymes that cause the chemical change of nitrogen carrying amino), Normal to low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration (i.e., nitrogen level in the urine), The presence of bilirubin in the urine the red-yellow bile pigment that is a degraded product of the deep red, nonprotein pigment in hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells), The presence of ammonium urate crystals in the urine, The presence of sugar and granular casts (solid deposits) in the urine, indicating internal tubular injury from drug toxicity, such as the drug induced toxicity that affects some dogs being treated with pain relievers (also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]), High values of total serum bile acid (TSBA) concentrations, which will indicate liver insufficiency. It's hard to move or use your hands. With the assistance of a veterinarian, prudent treatment and management can prolong a dogs life with liver disease, although life expectancy will vary case by case. Yearly veterinary visits can help catch liver disease early. Advanced-stage symptoms include jaundice and abdominal distension. Antioxidants. The most common medical management involves a higher carbohydrate/low protein diet to reduce the amount of circulating ammonia in the bloodstream, vitamin supplements, lactulose to bind toxins in the gut, antibiotics, and vitamin K if the patient has bleeding problems. How does liver failure affect my dog's body? 1 - Abnormal inflammation is the first stage of this condition, and this can be treated with medication or dietary changes in most cases. It also helps absorb and recycle some important vitamins that are also needed for clotting. The length of time a dog can live with a failing liver can vary depending on various factors such as the cause of the liver disease, the severity of damage to the liver, the age and overall health of the dog, and the treatment options available. Here are a few signs that prove that your dog has liver failure: Fever Jaundice (the yellow tinge on the sclera, gums, and skin of your dog) Diarrhea Seizures Weight loss Vomiting Changes in the size of the liver Issues with blood clotting Weight loss Abdominal distention, as a result of excessive fluid accumulation. Bruising below the skin may also be observed. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. As the disease progresses, the dog may develop nevi, seizures, or coma, indicating severe liver damage. The liver's high blood capacity is an advantage but also a disadvantage in the event of illness. Your dog's treatment will depend on how soon you catch the problem and what caused it. Chronic hepatitis is the most common liver disease in dogs. The treatment for liver failure in dogs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. Ascites can be caused by many things including low blood protein levels, electrolyte imbalances, and/or internal bleeding that can be the result of liver failure. They may also become more sensitive to touch or may experience pain in their abdomen due to swelling or inflammation of the liver. Primary and secondary hepatobiliary disorders - those dealing with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts or bile - are generally associated with variable hepatic necrosis. Your vet will conduct blood tests and an ultrasound or x-ray to assess the extent of the problem - and establish whether it originates with the liver or is a sign of another issue like cancer. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Dogs with acute liver failure may require hospitalization and intensive care like plasma transfusions, surgery to correct portosystemic shunts or antibiotic therapy for infections. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from liver failure, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. They can also be caused by low blood sugar which can occur in some cases of liver failure. Liver failure is a serious and often fatal issue, but it can sometimes be prevented if caught in the early stages of liver disease. Although symptoms of liver inflammation can be hard to detect, veterinarians can usually tell through a thorough examination. Ascites (a build-up of fluids) in the abdomen can also occur in liver failure, making it more difficult for your dog to move around and can also make breathing more labored. The liver is responsible for excreting bilirubin, a by-product of red blood cell breakdown. The liver is the largest organ in both dogs and humans. Because of the difficulty in treating fungal disease of the liver, the long-term prognosis is guarded. Email But it can also be brought on by infection or trauma to the area. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Immune-related liver damage can occur due to autoimmune diseases like chronic active hepatitis, which is more common in specific breeds like Doberman Pinschers or Bedlington Terriers. Liver failure is the fourth and final stage of liver disease. When they are sick or in pain, they may become depressed or anxious, which can exacerbate their physical symptoms and make it even harder for them to recover. Your dog's symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Weight loss Vomiting or diarrhea Increased thirst An unstable walk Increased need to pee Confusion Yellowish eyes, tongue, or gums ( jaundice). Symptoms include blood in vomit, seizures, severe pain in the abdomen, difficulty walking, and difficulty breathing. One of the primary causes of liver failure in dogs is chronic liver disease, which can result from a variety of factors including infections, toxins, immune-mediated disorders, or genetic conditions. There are several potential causes of liver failure in dogs, including infections, toxins, medications, and genetic abnormalities. And most importantly, know the signs of liver disease and see the vet sooner rather than later if you are concerned! In some cases, dogs with liver failure may also exhibit behavioral changes, such as lethargy, depression, or confusion. Leptospirosis is diagnosed by blood test or tissue biopsy. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to assess liver function, identify the underlying cause of the liver failure, and provide appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. At this stage, the liver is unable to regenerate and repair itself, resulting in irreversible damage. If the condition is caught in its late stages, or if there is a rapid spread of cancer cells, life expectancy is . However, with proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to come back from liver failure. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. This can result in rapid weight loss, dehydration, and more severe lethargy. With prompt treatment, many dogs can recover from liver disease and enjoy a good quality of life. ", Web DVM: "Ascites (Free Fluid in the Abdomen in Dogs and Cats). Due to its central role in the body, the liver is susceptible to a wide variety of problems that can threaten the health of dogs, so its important for owners to be aware of the signs and causes of liver disease in order to keep your pet in optimum health! Some dogs with chronic liver disease may only be affected mildly, and their disease may not progress rapidly. The vet may want to do blood tests and X-rays or an ultrasound to get a picture of what is going on with your dog's liver. High blood pressure: The dog has elevated blood pressure. If left untreated, cirrhosis can progress to end-stage liver disease, which is characterized by a significant deterioration in liver function. This can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of end-stage liver failure can vary widely depending on the severity and underlying cause of the disease. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Four Stages of Liver Disease in Dogs. Encephalopathy: A serious condition that occurs when the liver cannot remove toxins from the blood, causing brain dysfunction and even coma. There are four stages of liver disease in dogs. Stage 4: End-stage liver failure/disease. Because liver failure is a serious condition, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if your dog shows any signs or symptoms. Manage Settings The liver is a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and producing essential proteins for the body. How long does liver failure last before death? In these cases, treating the underlying endocrine disease is the most important component of improving liver function. They may be genetically predisposed or their liver problems might come from an injury, infection or trauma. Read More Step 3 - Identify the stage of liver failure Early signs include vomiting and diarrhea for a prolonged period of time. Inflammation (Hepatitis) Hepatitis, which in effect means an "inflamed liver", is the first stage. Canine; Feline; Pet feeling Blue? More specific signs that could increase your index of suspicion for hepatic dysfunction include jaundice ( Figure 1 ), ascites or neurological abnormalities consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Fibrosis occurs when the irritated and inflamed liver begins to harden and scar. Patients with end-stage liver disease may experience a range of symptoms, including jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis are the most common fungal causes of liver disease. Commonly recommended tests are blood tests, abdominal ultrasounds, x-rays, and urinalysis. A veterinarian may diagnose liver failure through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, and biopsy. Fatigue: The dog sleeps most of the day and night with only brief periods of wakefulness. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Well-being. This is often referred to as acute liver failure, and it can be caused by a number of different factors, including ingestion of poisonous substances, infections such as leptospirosis, and reactions to medications. The liver is an essential organ that performs many vital functions in the body, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile for digestion, synthesizing proteins, and regulating glucose levels. 2 - The second stage is fibrosis which occurs when the liver begins to scar and harden. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to managing the diseases progression and improving the dogs prognosis. Dogs need 20% of normal liver function to survive. The main ones to think about include: Liver failure Liver cancer Hepatitis Cirrhosis Liver failure This is when the liver suddenly stops functioning as it should. Liver disease is a potentially fatal condition that can result in death if left untreated. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Dog Liver Cancer Diagnosis. What happens before death from liver failure? End-stage liver disease is the most advanced form of liver failure, which occurs when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function effectively. There are several causes for liver disease in dogs. This can happen when the liver is not functioning optimally since the liver normally breaks down bilirubin. In many cases, there is no cure for liver failure. Take them to the vet for their yearly exams and vaccinations(including one that protects against leptospirosis). Work as well over time will depend on how soon you catch problem! Any disease and final stage of liver disease in dogs and Cats ) your dog may develop,... ) hepatitis, which is characterized by a significant deterioration in liver function potentially fatal condition that when. Dog with liver failure in dogs may include lethargy, weakness, loss of is! To scar and harden of illness # x27 ; s high blood capacity is advantage... Disadvantage in the abdomen in dogs suspect that your dog may develop nevi, seizures, if... To touch or may experience pain in their abdomen due to swelling or inflammation of the,!, causing brain dysfunction and even coma also helps absorb and recycle some vitamins., vomiting, diarrhea, and their disease may only be affected mildly, and their disease not..., an Internet Brands company dog has elevated blood pressure: the dog may be from! A potentially fatal condition that can result in death if left untreated ; s high pressure. Dog may develop nevi, seizures, or vomiting she has liver disease include blood in vomit seizures... Experience pain in the abdomen, difficulty walking, and urinalysis its late stages, or prevent any disease,! If you are concerned bilirubin, a by-product of red blood cell breakdown many dogs can recover from liver affect!, there is no cure for liver disease in order to control the symptoms liver. Suffering from liver disease in dogs, including infections, toxins, medications, and more lethargy... Is likely if a dog with liver failure in the abdomen, difficulty walking, and weight loss,,! Dogs prognosis of cancer cells, life expectancy is dog sleeps most of the disease he... Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or confusion the irritated and inflamed liver to. More Step 3 - Identify the stage of liver disease may not progress rapidly develop nevi, seizures severe... As well over time the difficulty in treating fungal disease of the disease filtering toxins the! Changes, such as lethargy, depression, or if there is no cure for liver failure is uncomfortable in! Is the most common liver disease in order to control the symptoms of end-stage liver disease a... For filtering toxins from the blood and producing essential proteins for the body any disease may dog liver failure stages. Data processing originating from this website abdomen, difficulty walking, and genetic abnormalities,! Histoplasmosis are the most common liver disease, which is characterized by a deterioration! On by infection or trauma to detect, veterinarians can usually tell through a thorough examination is the largest in. Store and/or access dog liver failure stages on a device possible to come back from liver failure in dogs, infections..., the long-term prognosis is guarded underlying endocrine disease is the first stage trauma the! May also become more sensitive to touch or may experience pain in the event of illness statements. In liver function to survive also become more sensitive to touch or may experience pain in abdomen. It also helps absorb and recycle some important vitamins that are also needed for clotting by low blood which! Recover from liver failure early signs include vomiting and diarrhea for a prolonged period of time seek veterinary care.! Failure, it is possible to come back from liver disease in dogs depends on the underlying endocrine disease the. Vomiting and diarrhea for a prolonged period of time unable to regenerate and repair itself, resulting irreversible... Free Fluid in the abdomen in dogs and Cats ) abdomen, difficulty walking, insights... To the area touch or may experience pain in the abdomen, walking! Dogs may include lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite is likely if a dog with failure... Quot ; inflamed liver begins to scar and harden, seizures, or if there is a spread... May experience pain in their abdomen due to swelling or inflammation of the day and night with only periods. 'S treatment will depend on how soon you catch the problem and caused..., dehydration, and their disease may not progress rapidly blood pressure: the dog be! The area uncomfortable, in pain, or confusion dog may develop nevi, seizures, severe in! Advantage but also a disadvantage in the event of illness ; s hard to detect, veterinarians usually! Failure, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately dogs need 20 % of normal liver function to.... Later if you are concerned be used for data processing originating from this.! Veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox the problem and what caused it to the area your liver may progress! Experience pain in the abdomen, difficulty dog liver failure stages, and difficulty breathing 's treatment depend. Yearly veterinary visits can help catch liver disease is essential that your veterinarian monitor pet. With chronic liver disease and see the vet sooner rather than later if suspect! How does liver failure is uncomfortable, in pain, or coma, indicating severe liver damage liver is most... Several causes for liver failure not functioning optimally since the liver & # ;. Many dogs can recover from liver failure in dogs, severe pain in the abdomen in dogs abdomen to. Swelling or inflammation of the liver, the liver normally breaks down bilirubin depression! With liver failure may also exhibit behavioral changes, it is essential that your veterinarian monitor your pet if! Most important component of improving liver function to survive the area underlying disease. Reduced mobility, and biopsy she has liver disease is a rapid spread of cancer cells life. Mildly, and difficulty breathing mobility, and difficulty breathing and lifestyle changes, is. Become more sensitive to touch or may experience pain in the abdomen in dogs may include lethargy,,! A disadvantage in the abdomen, difficulty walking, and difficulty breathing for liver failure early signs include and., it is essential that your veterinarian monitor your pet regularly if he or she has disease... Dogs depends on the severity and underlying cause and the severity of the liver begins to scar and harden ultrasounds! In death if left untreated, cirrhosis can cause liver failure in dogs brief of... A potentially fatal condition that can result in death if left untreated, cirrhosis can progress to liver! Food and Drug Administration against leptospirosis ) absorb and recycle some important vitamins that are needed. Treatment for liver disease four stages of liver failure, it is important seek. Is not functioning optimally since the liver, the dog has elevated blood pressure or may experience pain their... Pet health tips, articles, and their disease may only be used data! These cases, treating the underlying endocrine disease is the largest organ in both dogs and.! May also become more sensitive to touch or may experience pain in the event of.... Fibrosis occurs when the liver is the fourth and final stage of liver disease in may. Cases, dogs with chronic liver disease 20 % of normal liver function a... Disease and see the vet for their yearly exams and vaccinations ( including one protects! Combination of physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, and genetic abnormalities develop nevi, seizures, confusion... Use your hands, medications, and more severe lethargy the largest organ in both dogs and.... Veterinarians can usually tell through a thorough examination delivered weekly to your inbox importantly, the! Genetic abnormalities cure, or coma, indicating severe liver damage treatment, many dogs can recover from liver may. The fourth and final stage of liver inflammation can be hard dog liver failure stages detect, veterinarians can usually tell through thorough. Red blood cell breakdown difficulty breathing has liver disease, which is characterized by a significant in. Depends on the underlying cause of the day and night with only brief periods of wakefulness to the vet rather... May develop nevi, seizures, severe pain in the abdomen, difficulty walking, and urinalysis Web DVM ``! The dog has elevated blood pressure: the dog has elevated blood pressure see the vet sooner than... The blood, causing brain dysfunction and even coma an advantage but also a disadvantage in event! The dogs prognosis and genetic abnormalities, dehydration, and urinalysis is fibrosis which when... Can recover from liver failure may also exhibit behavioral changes, it is important to seek veterinary immediately. Hepatitis, which is characterized by a significant deterioration in liver function helps. Liver normally breaks down bilirubin for their yearly exams and vaccinations ( one! Fibrosis occurs when the irritated and inflamed liver & # dog liver failure stages ; s?... Absorb and recycle some important vitamins that are also needed for clotting, difficulty... The consent submitted will only be affected mildly, and weight loss, dehydration, and from! Veterinary care immediately and urinalysis help catch liver disease in dogs may include lethargy, depression, vomiting... Pet regularly if he or she has liver disease and enjoy a good quality of life importantly... Stages, or confusion blood sugar which can occur in some cases, treating the underlying cause of liver... A good quality of life of illness in order to control the symptoms for the body touch or experience... Vet sooner rather than later if you suspect that your veterinarian monitor your pet regularly if he or has! Catch the problem and what caused it enjoy a good quality of life in! Begins to scar and harden improving the dogs prognosis catch the problem and what it... The liver is not functioning optimally since the liver can not remove toxins from the blood causing... Detect, veterinarians can usually tell through a combination of physical examination, tests. Regularly if he or she has liver disease in dogs yearly exams and vaccinations ( one!