Function of the Liver in Dogs: Dog Liver Conditions & Care

A dog’s liver is an incredible organ that performs many essential functions. The health of the liver affects digestion, energy levels, toxin removal, blood clotting, and the dog’s overall health. Liver-related terms on bloodwork may feel confusing or overwhelming to pet parents. For example, what are elevated liver enzymes in dogs, and why should you care?

Liver conditions in dogs should be taken seriously, as they can be life-threatening. Many liver conditions can be managed successfully when identified early. In this article, we’ll answer your common dog liver questions.

Q1: What does the liver do in dogs?

The liver has over 500 vital functions in dogs, so we’re going to simplify it down to a list of key roles.

1. Filtering toxins and waste products from the blood after absorption from the intestines
2. Helping with fat digestion through bile production
3. Storing vitamins, minerals, and glucose
4. Contributing to energy storage and metabolism, including the maintenance of blood glucose levels
5. Creating substances which are essential to life, such as the protein albumin
6. Processing medications
7. Playing a role in immune function by destroying disease-causing agents that enter the body through the digestive system
8. Supporting blood clotting through the production of blood clotting factors

Luckily, the liver also has a remarkable ability to regenerate and repair itself. The liver can quickly regrow to normal size and function after a significant insult.

Q2: What are common signs of liver problems in dogs?

Signs of liver problems in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Reduced or absent appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)
• Lethargy
• Abdominal swelling due to fluid in the abdomen (ascites) or enlarged liver
• Issues with blood clotting (bruising, excessive bleeding, blood in stools, etc.)
• Behavioral changes or neurologic signs, like circling or seizures

Dogs with mild liver issues may not have obvious signs. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of liver disease.

Q3: What causes liver disease in dogs?

Liver disease in dogs can be caused by:

• Infections, including leptospirosis, canine adenovirus, or histoplasmosis
• Toxins or poisonous substances, like xylitol or ibuprofen
• Certain prescription medications, like phenobarbital
• Congenital liver abnormalities, like portosystemic shunt
• Cancer or tumors
• Chronic diseases or long-term inflammation, such as chronic hepatitis
• Genetic conditions, such as copper storage disease
• Endocrine diseases, including diabetes or Cushing’s disease

Certain breeds may be predisposed to canine liver disease. For example, Bedlington Terriers are prone to copper storage disease, where build-up of copper in the liver leads to liver damage.

Q4: What does it mean if a dog has elevated liver enzymes?

There are a couple things to keep in mind about liver enzyme levels on bloodwork.

Most reference intervals on bloodwork are designed to represent 95% of normal dogs, which means 5% of dogs who are normal fall outside the range. If your dog has a mild increase in liver enzymes, it’s possible this is a normal level for them. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention to trends in your dog’s liver enzymes over the years.

Elevated liver enzymes indicate damage or inflammation of liver cells. They do not indicate loss of liver function. Other tests are necessary to measure liver function in dogs.

Elevated enzymes do not automatically mean severe liver failure for dogs. For mild increases, the veterinarian may recommend monitoring with repeat testing. If there is a cause for concern, such as an upward trend or other changes on bloodwork that may indicate impaired dog liver health, additional testing or monitoring may be recommended.

Q5: How are liver problems diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of liver disease may include:

• Routine bloodwork or X-rays
• Bild acids testing
• Imaging, such as abdominal ultrasound or X-rays
• Biopsy of the liver (surgical or ultrasound-guided)

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:

• Specialized diets
• Liver support supplements, like SAMe
• Antibiotics or antifungals
• Steroids
• Lactulose (if there is concern for neurologic signs)
• Anti-seizure medications if needed
• Fluid therapy
• Surgery (for congenital liver shunts, gallbladder obstructions, liver tumors, etc.)

Q6: How can owners support liver health in dogs?

While pet owners can’t prevent all causes of liver disease, the following are steps that can help pet owners support liver health in dogs:

1. Schedule regular veterinary checkups that include lab work
2. Prevent access to toxins and poisonous foods
3. Never administer human medications without veterinary guidance
4. Only give prescription medications as directed by a veterinarian
5. Get your dog vaccinated against canine hepatitis (DAPP vaccine) and leptospirosis
6. Feed a balanced diet that meets the needs of your dog’s life stage
7. Monitor your pet for changes in appetite, energy, or behavior and seek veterinary attention for any concerning changes
8. Speak with your veterinarian about whether targeted supplements, like specific antioxidants, may benefit your pet

With appropriate preventative techniques and proactive care, liver issues can often be detected early, allowing for effective intervention.

See Your Vet and Stay Positive

Your dog’s liver plays an essential role in their digestion and overall health. Symptoms of liver disease can vary widely, ranging from mild nausea to full-blown neurologic signs, so veterinary care and bloodwork are important for early detection.

Seek veterinary attention if you’re noticing appetite changes, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or any concerning changes to health or behavior. Remember, the liver has an impressive ability to regenerate! Many liver conditions can be managed successfully with early diagnosis, treatment, and continued monitoring.