What is Jaundice?
The yellow pigment that shows up on a dog's skin, gums, white area of the eyes and ear flaps is called yellow jaundice or icterus. Yellow 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. The result of which is a serious breakdown of hemoglobin, which are present in red blood cells (RBCs).Symptoms of Jaundice in Dogs
Yellow jaundice symptoms are usually easy to detect. Yellow discoloration is visible on:
- Eyes
- Gums
- Skin
Health symptoms outside of 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 symptoms or immediate illnesses to alert pet owners of yellow jaundice.
Types
Yellow jaundice usually results in 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 yellow jaundice, can be found in blood vessels, the spleen, and the liver. It is the result of toxins in drugs, parasites, and plants on red blood cells.
Destruction of red blood cells may be linked to:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Heartworm diseases
- 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 yellow skin jaundice.
Diagnosis of Jaundice in Dogs
For liver disease:
- To determine if liver disease is linked to jaundice, blood tests are taken in the following forms:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
If liver disease is confirmed, then three biopsy tests are 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. However, this procedure is often done on dogs when the yellow shade in fur and skin is obvious. Radiographs and X-rays of the liver may be taken.
Treatment of Jaundice in Dogs
In order to clear up yellow jaundice, the disease that leads to it must be determined. Jaundice is a symptom of other illness(es), not a disease in itself. One of three blood tests narrows down whether liver disease is a factor: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). If a biopsy for liver disease is not needed, a 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, common medication -- assuming it's not too far along to treat - are:
- Cimetidine
- Furosemide (specifically used to improve breathing)
- Penicillamine
- Sucralfate
- Zinc acetate
Some of these medications may also help to lower the rate of inflammation and scarring. However, if a pet owner does not follow the strict prescription directions for the medication, higher doses can lead to liver disease even if the dog originally had something else, such as bile duct obstruction or red blood cell destruction.
Recovery of Jaundice in Dogs
In some cases, yellow jaundice linked to lung disease and cancer may prove fatal if not treated in time. Unlike cancer, it is possible for dogs to live a decent life with lung disease. Their lives may be much shorter than other dogs, though.
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 leads to infectious hepatitis.
Jaundice Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
If the infection cause the dog to suffer with cataract in eyes does it proves danger or it can still be cured and get well from join dice?
2992 Recommendations
There are numerous causes of jaundice in dogs and the prognosis is dependent on the underlying cause. If there is an infection (or other condition) causing an increase in destruction of red blood cells, treating the infection (if possible) may resolve the condition, if there is an infection of the liver or other condition that impedes the excretion of bilirubin, it may resolve if the infection is treated successfully. Depending on the type of infectious agent (bacterial, viral, parasite) and the type of damage caused, the prognosis can vary. Other causes of jaundice apart from infection may be due to immune-mediated disease, tumours, poisons or conditions of the biliary system or pancreas. It is important to visit your Veterinarian to determine the actual cause of the jaundice and to advise you of the prognosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hello! I was just reading this post about Yellow skin or jaundice. My dog, Asha, had had this symptom 2 weeks ago and she was very weak. At first, I had noticed that her eyes were swollen and reddish. She then started to lose appetite and it came to a point when she only drank water but still in very small quantity. After a week, she started vomiting and she didn't move very much nor was she able to bark or make other noises she normally would. I got really worried when she lost a lot of weight. She started to make noises after that. It was as if she was going to vomit but can't. It's like she has something in her stomach that she couldn't get out. Her breathing pattern also became short and rapid. I would love to get a professional's opinion about this. Much thanks!
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Asha's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog just died. She was just fine and suddenly became yellow, started urinating blood and was unresponsive. She received a blood transfusion at her arrival to the vet’s office. Two days later she was dead. The vet wont give me any answers and I’m feeling heartbroken an desperate. I want to know what could have happened to my dog.
1406 Recommendations
Add a comment to Miley's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My Dog suffering from jaundice from last 4weeks. Not eating food , Not drinking water.
EBilirubin serum 2.18mg/dl
SGPT/ALT 50.79
TLC 22600 CELLS/CU MM
RED BLOOD CELL 5.78M/CU
This is a blood test report. Yello urine... prescription from vet. Amoxycillin sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, Ranitidine injection, lisybin tab..
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Wish's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hii...my pet name is popeye.rottweiler breed.he is one yr old.he is suffering from jaundice for last 2 weeks.there is a symptoms for jaundice.he doesnt eat food and milk.can u please suggest some treatment to cure my pet.
thank u.
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to popeye's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My DOG name Hero is suffering from Jaundice. I am attaching a copy of report and medicines that doctor prescribed.
He was hospitalised for 3 days but after that testing again doctors could not find any improvement. So please advise if this prescription is correct.
2992 Recommendations
Hello my pet name is Charlie (husky) 1yr old ,his reports shows increased SGPT to 69mg/dl . And he has haematuria his usg abdomen shows thickening of urunary bladder!! He is not consuming food orally !! No improvement in condition since 5 days !! Can you suggest me the further move
If my dog ate something that made him sick, how long would it take for jaundice to show?
Add a comment to Hero's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Our dog is a pekepug. She is 11yrs old and was diagnosed with malignant cancer of the teats and had surgery to remove 2 in January 2016. The past few weeks she has had a loss of appetite, vomiting every so often, getting into items such as clothing, cardboard, toilet paper, basically anything she can find to tear up. She has lost weight. Just today we noticed her belly looks yellow. Worried her cancer my have affected her liver causing jaundice. Plan to talk to vet but would like a second opinion. I know I don't have any blood results to provide but with her already being diagnosed with cancer we aren't sure if it's worth spending money on treatment if her chances are slim. We agreed to pass on chemo due to her living a long life and would hate to put her through it.
2992 Recommendations
Jaundice may be caused by three main causes: destruction of red blood cells, liver disease or obstruction of the bile duct; these may be caused by a variety of causes including cancer, infection, parasites, immune system disorders, poisoning etc... The first step would be to determine the underlying cause by having blood tests and an x-ray which would normally ne sufficient for a diagnosis in most cases. After a diagnosis is made, the prognosis with treatment can be evaluated to determine whether it is something that would be suitable for Mulan. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Mulan's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
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
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Temperance Eve Chisolm's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Myself Savita. My doggy Jeanie is suffering from jaundice and dieteties. Her condition is not good. She doesn't take food and milk. She drinks only water. She is illing for 1months. She doesn't able to stand. Plz suggest some treatment for her.Her age is 3-5yrs. Her doctor gave answer. Plz sir I request to u plz suggest some treatment.
1406 Recommendations
Add a comment to Jeanie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
in my kennel, 9 dogs hav died in 3weeks mostly showing jaundice ,increased clotting time , loss of appetite and death. they have been vaccinated DHLPP. PM shows haemorragic pericarditis , pericardial effussion, enlaged liver with pale and heamorrhagic areas, splenitis with white foci on the subcapsular surface, diffuse hemo-enteritis and sometimes skeletal muscle haemorrhage. I am having sleepless nights, pls help
2992 Recommendations
Whilst I cannot give for you any definitive answers, may initial thoughts point to infection or poisoning (with infection being forefront in my mind); some diseases like Streptococcal toxicosis may cause death within hours of infection for example, it is important that samples from the post mortem are sent for culture to identify any bacteria. Once a bacteria (or other pathogen) has been identified, a treatment plan may be made for any remaining dogs. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.vetary.com/dog/condition/septic-shock
Add a comment to many's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog has lost a lot of weight compare to how she use to look. I was away and I guess family members didn't study her much. Her bones are now showing a bit and she is looking a bit yellow or is yellow. She has lost appetite but when she sees me she still try to wag her tail. I am currently unemployed and I don't know what to do i really want her cured.
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Luna's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
We have a 9 year old border collie. My dog has been jaundice for over two months. Our current vet (and secondary vet) are both not sure what is going on with him. I'll start from last April where he was extremely anemic (18.6%) and rebounded after 6 epogen shots. He has not ever gone back to being anemic since his treatment. In mid November, he began to have yellow gums, yellow in the whites of his eyes, a yellow tummy and yellow colored skin anywhere you could see. He began vomiting and having diarrhea. We took him back to the vet where he ran an extensive panel on many diseases all of which came back negative. Our dog is now on antibiotics and lactulose (just to name a few - also liver support, gallbladder support and a couple others) to help. whenever he is off antibiotics, he becomes jaundice. It is very clear that his body responds well to the antibiotics and his jaundice decreases. We have spent thousands of dollars trying to determine what this is as his disposition is great and he does not act like a sick dog with the exception of some decreased energy that corresponds with extreme jaundice and fever when he's not on antibiotics. I have over 54 pages of medical records of ultrasounds, medications, exams etc., without any solutions to the disease. We would love any feedback and I can submit any relevant numbers from his blood work to help determine the cause of this crazy illness. Please help us! Thank you!
2992 Recommendations
Jaundice is usually categorised depending on cause as either being due to destruction of red blood cells (infections, toxins), liver disease or bile duct obstructions. There are many different conditions that may cause the destruction of red blood cells including infections, parasites (heartworm, intracellular parasites), blood clots, torsion of the spleen, other splenic disorders, poisoning (especially onion, garlic), toxins, disorders of the pancreas, gall bladder and bile duct disorders (I assume the ultrasound eliminated these causes), autoimmune disease or cancer. Since there are many different causes of jaundice (jaundice is a symptom), the usual steps would be blood tests which would have shown anything unusual; since jaundice and anaemia where found initially and that Bridger responded well to antibiotics it maybe assumed (but not guaranteed) that the cause maybe infectious in nature. I again don’t wish to assume, but has Bridger’s blood been seen under a microscope? Sometime the old method is the best, plus it may show signs of some disease which may cause red blood cell destruction. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication which is used to treat a wide range of different conditions. Sometimes, a diagnosis cannot be found and treatment is carried out by trial and error, treatment with other effective medications like doxycycline and clindamycin maybe beneficial so that there is rotation of the antibiotics. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
He has had extensive blood tests, spleen ultrasound etc etc which were inconclusive and showed a healthy spleen. Additonally, he was attacked by a pit bull after his anemia and before the onset of jaundice - could a dog attack create that? Could it be pancreatitis? If infectious in nature, what would be a next step? Only asking specifics because we have literally run out of options unless we get an MRI which is too costly at this point for us. I wish that I could attach all the reports from his visits! Thanks again!
Add a comment to Bridger's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Greetings Dr. Turner, my Labrador Retriever mix (Ming Ming is her name) has been experiencing symptoms related to jaundice, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and yellowing of the eyes. She already went to a vet and received medicines, but she will not eat them. I have also fed her rice, but she would not eat that either. She has eaten only the meat that I mixed in with the rice, Should I keep trying to feed her or should I travel an alternate route?
2992 Recommendations
Jaundice is a symptom not a disease caused by one of three main factors: increased destruction of red blood cells, liver disease or bile duct obstruction; the primary cause maybe due to cancer, heartworms, auto-immune disease, gall stones, liver failure, tumours etc… It is important to determine the exact cause in order to treat the jaundice effectively; it is important to ensure that Ming Ming receives her medication, it maybe a case of forcing the tablets to the back of her throat and tilt her head back and rub her neck, you may also need to liquefy her food and feed her from a syringe to get it down her. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Docter whats the treatment for jaundice?
Add a comment to Ming Ming's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
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?
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Pariah's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hello sir, my 2 years old dog diagnosed with liver disease and jaundice. Whatever intake we are giving, he is throwing out side in the form of white foam, his skin is pale. Sometimes breathing will be abnormal( very fast) when they inject medicines. No motion from eight days.Very week and now silent too as he used to bark too much. I am feeling very depressed, where I did wrong. His report is:
Sgot 713
Sgpt 972
BUrea 110
S phosphorus 6.25
Alka Po4 1000
S billrubin T 4.10
S billrubin D 3
S billrubin I 1.10
Haematology test
Total leucocytes count 29750
Neutrophils 57
Lymphocytes 43
Trbc 6.08
Mcv 70
Mch 25
Platelates count 1.2
Esr 70
2992 Recommendations
Jaundice may be caused by many different causes including infections, autoimmune disease, blood clots, liver disorders, cancer, poisoning, among other causes. In such a young dog, infection or poisoning are the probable causes, but I am unable to think of a way forward except for giving supportive care; speak with your Veterinarian about your options based on the blood results and physical examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Hey man how's your dog right now? Cause I'm having same problem just like you.
Add a comment to Princu's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Myself Ayushi. My doggy is jini suffering from jaundice . Her condition is not good. She doesn't take food and non veg. She drinks only water. She is illing form 2weeks. She doesn't able to stand. Plz suggest some treatment for her.Her age is 2yrs. Her doctor gave answer. Plz sir I polity request to u plz suggest some treatments.plz tell me the solutions.how will be okay..
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/jaundice
1406 Recommendations
my it is going through the same or similar situation.
I am desperate because my vet didn't even check her, over the phone he told me that there was nothing he could do for her. What if it's not heartworm? She's not coughing, she's just not eating as well, but she is drinking. The color of her Iris has gone from Ice blue to yellow.
Add a comment to Jini's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Dear sir,
My pup is 40 days old and she's with her mom. She was diagnosed with jaundice and one of the veterinarian said that her survival chances is 'ZERO'. She's suffering a lot and unable to stand for at least 5 seconds. Other doctor said the same but he gave three tonics... 1. Glycine Chelated iron, copper and cobalt enriched with vitamins (Vetoquinol) 2. Immuneomodulator and 3. Cefpodoxime proxetil.
and asked to use it 3 times a day.
Her belly, gums and paws are yellow. She has 102F fever.
2992 Recommendations
Jaundice is a symptoms, not a condition on it’s own; it is important for the primary cause of the jaundice to be established so that treatment may be directed effectively, causes of jaundice include: increase in red blood cell destruction, bile duct obstruction and liver disease. Current treatment is aimed at treating or managing two of the three issues; without further diagnostics there isn’t much else to be done. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Maya's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
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
2992 Recommendations
Add a comment to Sweety's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
respected sir/mam
my dog name is misty she is one and a half month old. . doctor advice that she is suffering from jaundice and the medicine is prescribed to my dog is liv 52 and glucose with warm water but still i am not seeing the improvement in her.sir its my request to you that pls suggest me the proper guildlie.
i am assure that you will help me
THANKYOU
2992 Recommendations
which is usually caused by infection, toxins, bile duct obstruction, liver failure or excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Many infections and toxins may cause jaundice; treatment of the condition (or removal of the toxin) can help resolve the symptom. Bile duct obstruction is uncommon in puppies unless there is a congenital defect. Neonatal isoerythrolysis (breakdown of red blood cells due to maternal antibodies in colostrum) is a rare occurrence in dogs, but still possible. Without examining Misty and having results of blood counts and biochemistry tests, I am unable to guide you further. Liv.52 is a natural medication for appetite stimulation, liver protection and regeneration of liver cells popular in India (LiverCare in the USA). Recovery from jaundice may take time, be patient but I would advise you visiting your Veterinarian for a check of his bilirubin and red blood cell levels to ensure that the condition is improving (even if you cannot see visually). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Respected sir I need ur attention how long does it take to recovery from jaundice
Add a comment to misty's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
Hello sir/ma'am
I have 11 American pit bull terrier she's 45 pounds. Most recently she been exhibiting very strange and alarming behavior. First it was excessive sleeping, second it was lose of appetite. Increase in thirst , Third was slight limping, diarrhea with slight mucus and blood, dried mucus in nose, bobbing of the head. Now her eyes are a slight yellow and ears. And allow this has taken place in a 4 day span. Please help.
2992 Recommendations
If Dakota is showing signs of jaundice, it would be best to have your Veterinarian take a look as there are many different conditions which may be causing these symptoms including infection, tumours, parasites among other conditions. Blood tests and an x-ray would be the minimum required to diagnose the underlying cause of the problem. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Dakota's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi Sir,
My Dog's name is Coach and he is 2 years old. he is diagnosed with Jaundice. Visually his skin has turned Yellow and he is under treatment. He vomits whatever he intakes. He is now treated with Glucose as Trips/Injection to make him stable. Please let me know if he will be able to recover from this soon as i couldn't see him this way.
Please find below his Blood Test Report
RBC : 2.03
Hb : 5.6
PCV : 17.1
MCV : 85
MCHC : 33.0
WBC : 13.2
Neutrophils : 71
Lymphocytes : 25
Monocytes : 00
Basophils : 00
Eosinophils :04
Platelets : 0.11
TEST FOR LIVER & KIDNEY FUNCTIONS
Blood Urea Nitrogen : 18.93
Creatinine : 1.02
Total Billirubin : 0.31
Direcct Billirubin : 0.17
Indirect Billirubin : 0.17
SGOT : 41.50
SGPT : 25.45
Alkaline Phosphatase : 83.52
Protein Total : 7.26
Albumin : 2.08
Globulin : 5.18
Albumin/Globulin Ratio : 0.40
2992 Recommendations
The blood test results indicate some type of liver disease, the normalisation of ALT (SGPT) and elevated AST (SGOT) would be normal as the level of ALT stabilises faster than AST. Low red blood cell (RBC) counts and packed cell volume (PCV) would indicate destruction by infection or immune-mediated process. Slightly increased globulins would also be indicative of liver disease and increased immune system activity. In order to determine the prognosis for Coach, the exact cause needs to be determined; from the test results alone I cannot determine a prognosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Coach's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Add a comment to Pretty's experience