![Liver Inflammation in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost](https://images.wagwalkingweb.com/media/articles/dog/liver-inflammation/liver-inflammation.jpg?auto=compress&fit=max&width=640)
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.
![background](/_next/static/images/wagcompare-de700991d1a14b1cc151f11411feb943.jpg)
- Yellowing skin, mucus membranes and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Swollen and/or painful abdomen
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Acute
- Symptoms manifest within days, and your pet's health quickly declines. This is the less common type, but is all the more distressing for its quick appearance. This is likely to be caused by toxins - possibly drugs, chemicals or a reaction to medicine, trauma, poor circulation and metabolic disorders. It must be treated immediately or will likely result in death as all these factors will contribute to necrosis (tissue death) of the liver.
- Chronic
- This condition occurs over long periods and, while no less serious, will manifest itself more slowly, so it is less easily detected. This condition is caused by the slow death of liver cells due an underlying disease.
- Fungal infection
- Trauma
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infection
- Parasites (heartworm and liver flukes)
- Anemia (low iron)
- Cancer
- Immune mediated disease
- Excess copper retention (note that Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, West Highland Terriers and Skye Terriers have genetic predisposition to copper retention)
- Drug Reactions
- Blockage within the liver itself or the surrounding ducts
- This may not be directly causal, but the gallbladder, pancreas or chronic swelling of the kidneys may happen simultaneously with liver inflammation.
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Complete blood profile - check the levels of liver enzymes
- Bile Acid Stimulation Test
- Urinalysis
- High liver enzyme levels
- High bilirubin levels (The liver filters bilirubin. They are waste products from the blood which should not exist in high quantities)
- Low glucose levels
- High copper levels
- Protein, red or white blood cells in the urine. (These can indicate infection)
- Low vitamin B12 levels. (This may indicate absorption problems with the small intestine or pancreas)
- Poor blood clotting. It should be noted that a failure of blood clotting can be a sign of late-stage liver failure.
- High levels of abdominal fluid
- Treatment of acute inflammation will be to address the immediate cause. This will involve flushing out the harmful toxins through an overnight stay (in some cases several nights are required). This will be somewhat invasive due to the need for intravenous fluids.
- If the underlying cause is chronic, the veterinarian will discuss further treatment options with you. Generally, dogs are managed long-term rather than cured.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
![background](/_next/static/images/petted-544cffa438ab65020839367e6bbc63fe.png)
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
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.
![background](/_next/static/images/wagcompare-de700991d1a14b1cc151f11411feb943.jpg)
![Need pet insurance?](/_next/static/images/pet-insurer-bouncer-4e1d480924e984ee8285f7f55de98aa0.png)