Liver Problems In Dogs
Liver problems in dogs are difficult to detect. Also, they occasionally appear as a secondary disease. This means that the dog may suffer from a disease that affects the liver in a secondary way, which is usually reflected in biochemical blood tests.
The liver has many functions related to the metabolism of certain nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is also related to vitamin and mineral metabolism.
Another irreplaceable function of the liver is its ability to eliminate and excrete blood-borne toxins and drugs, as well as the function of forming and eliminating bile.
Symptoms of Liver Problems in Dogs
When a liver starts to lose its functional capacity, a series of symptoms appear. It is not necessary for them all to show up and sometimes they can be confused with symptoms of another disease. The symptoms that dogs can develop due to liver disease are:
- Apathy. The dog may become tired, lack vitality and unwilling to move.
- Loss of appetite. We can see that the dog has little desire to eat or, at least, not as much as usual.
- Dehydration. Even if he drinks water normally, as his liver is not working well, the water does not hydrate the body’s cells. We can see if a dog is not hydrated if we pinch a piece of skin on the back and it takes a while to get back into place.
- Change in color of mucous membranes. When there is a deficiency in the liver, the dog’s mucous membranes tend to yellow. This is known as jaundice.
- Weight loss. The dog can lose weight due to lack of appetite, combined with incorrect metabolism of nutrients.
- Chronic or recurrent vomiting. When the liver problem increases, other symptoms appear. This is the case with vomiting, which is usually yellow and frothy.
- Polydipsia and polyuria. These terms refer, respectively, to an increase in the amount of water ingested and urine excreted.
- Ascites. It is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, produced by a decrease in serum proteins and an increase in venous tension.
- Diarrhea.
- Neurological signs. Due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood due to the lack of functioning of the liver, these can affect the brain, causing inflammation in the brain.
Diseases that cause blood problems
When the symptoms of liver disease appear, our first thought is that there may be a problem or a deficiency in liver function. However, when liver problems are detected through blood tests, we must rule out other possibilities.
Some of the pathologies or diseases that can cause liver damage are:
- Poisonings. During a routine walk, the dog is unfortunately exposed to being intoxicated with multiple substances, some consciously placed on it and some not. If we visit urban parks or agricultural areas, the dog can be poisoned by herbicides, insecticides or fertilizers. In addition, he can ingest toxic substances destined for other animals.
- Infectious hepatitis. This disease is caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). This virus is transmitted by the bodily fluids of sick animals, such as urine, feces or saliva. There is no specific treatment, only life support and sometimes it can become chronic.
- Leptospirosis. The cause of leptospirosis is a bacterium that can be transmitted to humans, that is, it is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted by contact with animal fluids or infected water. In addition to the liver, it also affects the heart, kidneys and lungs.
- Filariasis. It is a nematode infection that can affect organs such as the heart, lungs, skin or eyes. It is a zoonotic disease transmitted by insects and affects the liver in a secondary way.
- Cushing’s Syndrome. Cushing’s disease is a hormonal imbalance that can affect some dogs. The adrenocortical glands start to produce a hormone – cortisol – in excess, which can affect other organs, such as the liver.
- Diabetes Mellitus. This disease is characterized by causing the total or partial absence of insulin in the blood. Secondarily, it can increase the risk of developing inflammation or scarring in the liver.
how to prevent
When liver problems in dogs stem from other illnesses, if that illness is cured, the liver will also recover. Each disease has its own preventive method. For example, in cases such as filariasis or other diseases transmitted by insects, just use repellents and avoid the areas where they live.
Occasionally, hormonal illnesses such as diabetes or Cushing stem from a poor diet and, in many cases, cause obesity. Keeping our pet healthy, well fed and exercised is essential for the proper functioning of his body.
Finally, liver failure, as well as kidney failure, sometimes occurs in older dogs. It’s true that age is a risk factor, but proper nutrition is a priority. Don’t forget that the liver belongs to the digestive system and can be affected by multiple factors.
