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Jaundice in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/26/2016Updated: 07/13/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Jaundice?
Yellow pigment that shows up on a dog's skin, gums, white area of the eyes and ear flaps is called jaundice or icterus. Jaundice is the result of too much yellow pigment that travels through a dog's blood and body tissue. On darker dogs, it may be less noticeable than dogs with lighter fur, lighter gums or lighter skin pigment.
A high concentration of bilirubin is the causation of the yellow discoloration, commonly associated with jaundice (or icterus), within the mucous membranes of the gums and genitals.Jaundice Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Jaundice in Dogs
Jaundice signs are usually easy to detect. Yellow discoloration is visible on:
- Eyes
- Gums
- Skin
Health signs besides a change in coloring would be:
- Dark or discolored urine
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Fever
- Abdominal Pain
- Paleness
- Change in the feces, usually will be an orange tint
- Increased frequency of consumption of water
- Weight loss
- Bleeding
- Increased frequency in urine output
As with lighter clothing, the appearance of yellow jaundice is more noticeable on dogs with lighter skin or fur (white and beige). For dogs with darker shades of fur and skin (black and brown usually), it may be easier to notice the yellowish shade around the sclerae (the white area of a dog's eyes) than it would be to notice it in the dog's skin. However, not all dogs have noticeable physical signs or immediate illnesses to alert pet owners of jaundice.
Types
Jaundice usually results from three types of illnesses. They are/found in:
- Bile duct obstruction (found within the gall bladder and travels to the small intestine)
- Liver disease (found within the liver and destroys cells, which cause icterus)
- Red blood cell destruction (found within blood vessels, the spleen or liver)
Causes of Jaundice in Dogs
Haemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells leading to jaundice, can be found in blood vessels, the spleen, and the liver. It may be the result of toxins in drugs, parasites, or plants on red blood cells.
Destruction of red blood cells may be linked to:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Heartworm disease
- Trauma
Liver disease and bile duct obstruction are also possible causes. The latter illness is linked to any toxins that affect bile going from the gallbladder to the small intestine during the digestion process. Bacterial and viral infections may also be a factor in some cases of jaundice.
Diagnosis of Jaundice in Dogs
For liver disease:
- To determine if liver disease is linked to jaundice, blood tests are taken:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bile Acids
If liver disease is confirmed, then biopsy tests may be used to determine what caused the liver disease:
- Fine-needle aspirate - A small gauge needle is used to collect cells from the liver to be examined underneath a microscope.
- Surgical wedge biopsy - under anesthesia, surgery is performed to look at the abdomen to find the correct area to complete a biopsy.
- Ultrasound guided biopsy - A large bore biopsy needle is used to collect tissue to be viewed by an ultrasound image.
For bile duct obstruction:
An ultrasound is the common procedure to examine the gall bladder and bile duct. Radiographs and X-rays of the liver may also be taken.
Treatment of Jaundice in Dogs
In order to clear up jaundice, the disease that leads to it must be determined. Jaundice is a sign of other illness(es), not a disease in itself. Blood tests can narrow down whether liver disease is a factor: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bile acids. The veterinarian may choose an ultrasound to examine other body parts (gall bladder, bile duct, etcetera).
If cancer is determined, this may prove fatal if the cells are not diagnosed as benign. For malignant cells, chemotherapy may be one of few options to treat a dog diagnosed with cancer.
For liver disease, there are medications that your veterinarian may prescribe, assuming it's not too far along to treat. Some of these medications may also help to lower the rate of inflammation and scarring.
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Recovery of Jaundice in Dogs
In some cases, jaundice linked to lung disease and cancer may prove fatal if not treated in time.
Vitamin K may be used to treat and control bleeding disorders, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant to get rid of free radicals that could do damage to the liver. However, a veterinarian will determine if these medications are necessary or useful depending on the diagnosis.
Routine vaccinations beforehand will help dogs avoid the risks of adenovirus and leptospira bacteria that can lead to infectious hepatitis.
Jaundice Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $650 - $8,000
Average Cost
$2,200
Top
Jaundice Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Aspin
Two Months
34 found this helpful
34 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
How can i help my puppy?, because he's the only dog experience this disease, before we have 2 more dogs which is 7months old died from this disease called jaundice, how can i help him to fully recovered? Please give me some advice how my lovely boy comeback to his activeness,
I'm filipino.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
34 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There are many causes for jaundice, and I would be concerned if he is the third puppy you have that is affected by this problem. There may be a blood parasite affecting him, or a toxin in his environment, or an infectious hepatitis in. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as jaundice is a very complicated disease, and he may require intensive care. They should be able to help narrow down what the possible causes are for you as well. I hope that everything goes well for your puppy.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Half shih tzu half pomeranian
Three Months
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
What i need to do his ear, skin, gums, even his white part of his eyes is yellowish.
What i ganna do please help me.
I love him so much
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
22 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Jaundice is a very serious condition in any animal, and It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Pug
Sweety
7 Years
40 found this helpful
40 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Jaundice
My dog died yesterday. Her name was Sweety. One week ago i visited to vet. Doctor said she having jaundice. Blood test all were done she had less homoglobin And doctor started giving her insulin in injection of protein etc etc 5 days later doctor told she's fine now but suddenly next day after giving her insulin she stood up and sat with tongue outside and peed and stopped breathing at vet. Than doctor told she's dead when i asked why she's dead you told yesterday she's fine than doctor didn't said me clearly he said because she was having low homoglobin it was 4
July 10, 2018
40 Recommendations
Jaundice is a symptom and not a condition, but from your description it sounds like Sweety was suffering from haemolytic anaemia where there is a destruction of red blood cells by either infection, parasites, poisoning or immune mediated disease. In severe cases, there is not enough haemoglobin in the blood to carry oxygen and this may lead to death. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 11, 2018
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Chihuahua
Temperance Eve Chisolm
7 Years
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Urine Yellow Skin Peeing On Th
She has started peeing dark yellow now on my bed an pooped in my bed 2 times scratches a lot An her skins is got ayellowish color she is 7 yrs old I have been in an out a lot more here lately she also vomits a lil sometimes should I Bee concern
June 20, 2018
17 Recommendations
You should be concerned and should visit your Veterinarian immediately for an examination and for a blood test initially to start to determine the cause of the jaundice; liver failure is the main concerned but other causes like bile duct obstruction or haemolytic anaemia may also cause jaundice. Jaundice is a symptom not a condition or disease so any treatment or management would be dependent on the underlying cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 21, 2018
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Heeler
Pariah
8 Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Appetite, Lethargic, Jaundice
Our dog was diagnosed with liver failure. We noticed last week she was very lethargic and wouldn’t eat. She was also urinating even while laying down. We had blood work ran on Sunday and received the sad news that she will probably not pull through this. Her eyes, gums, and skin are yellow. She has stopped peeing, won’t eat, but will drink water. The vet prescribed us pain and nausea meds for her. Our biggest concern is keeping her comfortable and happy. Is there a possible time frame on how long she has?
June 14, 2018
19 Recommendations
It is difficult to say how long she has left, there are many different causes for liver failure which progress at different rates but when the skin starts to yellow you know you’re getting to the final phase and should prepare yourself for the unthinkable. For know, ensure that Pariah is comfortable and is keep hydrated; if she seems to be in distress or you’re generally concerned you should return to your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 14, 2018
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Shih Tzu
Chinky
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Jaundice
Frequent Urination
Anorexia
Shaking When Sleeping
Pls help what home remedy can I do. My dog's been diagnosed with liver failure and heart enlargement. She's on maintenance meds Liv 52 and Nefrotec. Since we started her medication and switched her diet to hepatic food, she doesnt have the appetite anymore. Even when we give her table food, still not interested. Her poop is yellow orange and she drinks water frequently and her pee is dark colored too. I know these are all signs of jaundice. But any advice on what to do to make her eat? Is it ok to give her goats milk? And for her heart, should we give her meds like vetmedin or any cardio meds? SI dont want to lose her yet. Shes my everything pls help :( she tstill loves to walk outside and she like to drink milk and her vitamin supplement nutrigel.
Pug
Sam
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Jaundice
Jaundice Liver Damage
Hi sir My pug Sam is in jaundice and his liver is not working properly yesterday doctor punctured extra water from his liver also he is breathing fastly and not doing urine please suggest me what can i do he is not eating or drinking
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/jaundice
Miniature Pinscher
Bruno
10 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Bloody Diarrhea
Hi guys, my dog passed away after jaundice were diagnosed. He was very lethargic, had an appetite loss, extreme weight loss. Took him to our vet and he was admitted immediately. They put a camera down his throat and it turn out it infected his all his organs, they started treatment and the next morning they phoned me to say he has deteriorated during the evening. Our vet told me that with every breath he is taking he is suffering and she suggested that we make the most humane decision, euthanasia... at first I didnt want to I wanted to go get him and let him pass away with me but it would have been selfish of me by making him suffer. Please if you see any symptoms that lead to jaundice in your pet seek immediate vet care.
Labrador Retriever
Austin
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Yellow Urine,Loss Apetite,Increased
My labrador austin is 1year 5months old and he is having a dark yellow colour urine.just a couple of months before he had high fever of about 106.6°f he was salinated and had a blood test..he was given a course of doxycycline for 21 days and livo+ and also thrombfit.
Plz hlp me.
He is eating everything just ignoring rice and vegetables.
Report of blood test
Bilirubin-0.179
Sgpt-95.31
Sgot-136.58
Total protein-5.24
Albumin-3.03
Globulin-2.21
Jaundice Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $650 - $8,000
Average Cost
$2,200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
