Liver Disease
Liver disease in dogs and cats can include conditions, diseases or infections that affect the cells, tissues, structures or functions of the liver. In a healthy pet, the liver filters the blood, helps the body transport and save energy, makes important proteins, stores vitamins and assists the digestive system. It is very important for a dog or a cat to have a healthy liver. However at times it can become infected or diseased. Liver disease in dogs and cats can occur in pets of any age.
Common Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats
- Hepatic Lipidosis Pathogenesis
- Porto-systemic Shunt (PSS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Hepatic Disease (Hepatitis)
- Copper Toxicosis (Copper Storage Disease)
- Cancer
Signs of Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats
Symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats can sometimes be very subtle and vary. Following are some typical signs of liver disease in dogs and cats.
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Excessive urination and drinking of water
- Lethargy
- Anemia
- Light colored stool
- Bleeding disorders
- Distended abdomen
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea
- Pain
- Orange colored urine
- Behavioral changes such as circling, head tilt, seizures, etc.
Diagnosing and Treating Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats
It can some times be difficult to diagnose liver disease. That is why it’s important to see a veterinary specialist if your pets condition seems to worsen despite regular veterinary care. A veterinary specialist will conduct a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine liver disease.
The veterinary specialist will typical diagnose liver disease in dogs and cats with:
- A physical exam;
- Diagnostic tests (blood panel, urinalysis);
- Abdomiocentesis;
- Biopsy;
- Stool examination;
- Radiology (X-rays);
- Ultrasound;
- Laparoscopy; and/or
- Exploratory surgery.
Treatments for liver disease in dogs and cats may include medications, special diets, supplements, and/or surgery.
Consultation for Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats
If you think your pet has liver disease, please call VETMED today to make a consultation appointment.