Canine Liver Disease: What Do You Know About This Illness?
March 14, 2023You can quickly diagnose and treat a health condition in your dog if you detect noticeable symptoms, such as swelling or a limp. Unfortunately, the canine liver disease sometimes progresses undetected until it is at a life-threatening stage. This makes canine liver disease among the top causes of death, and it is a crucial concern.
What Is Canine Liver Disease?
Liver disease comprises short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) conditions that can affect this organ. Do you know that the liver is the second largest organ in the dog’s body and serves various essential roles? This organ processes and accumulates harmful substances, making it vulnerable to disease.
The symptoms and causes of canine liver disease vary widely. It ranges in severity from moderate to fatal, and your dog may show no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs
The early signs of liver illness are non-specific, meaning several other conditions share them. Because of this, diagnosing liver problems can be challenging. Some of the first signs may include:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
Jaundice, in which the skin, eyes, and gums appear yellow, might develop as the condition worsens. If your dog starts turning yellow, you should drop everything and head straight to the veterinary pharmacy. Veterinary attention is required instantly for this condition.
What Are the Causes of It?
Liver disease can develop as a natural result of getting older. Genes play a role sometimes. On the other hand, an illness or trauma might also trigger this condition. Do note that it is possible to cause liver damage in your dog by exposure to certain diseases and treatments. The liver disease could also have other potential causes, such as:
- Ingestion of a toxic substance
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Cysts or gallstones
- Cancer of the liver
The Cascade Veterinary Referral Center vet may investigate your dog’s diet and medication regimen if they detect any signs of liver disease. They may recommend some tests to see what’s up with your dog’s liver, including blood tests and X-rays or a CT scan.
Is It Treatable?
Several illnesses affecting the liver are quite curable. The veterinarian can treat the symptoms and the underlying condition once the cause has been determined. Medicine, vitamins, dietary adjustments, and even soft-tissue surgery can all help.
Slow-developing conditions, like chronic liver disease, are typically easier to diagnose and cure. However, acute liver disease is more severe and frequently results in liver failure. If you want to learn more about soft-tissue surgery, you can visit this link.
Can It Be Prevented?
Thankfully, pet parents can lessen their dogs’ vulnerability to liver issues by taking preventive measures. A dog’s liver can be kept in good working order by feeding it a balanced diet. Go to a trusted vet if you have questions about whether or not the food you’re giving your dog is healthy.
Protecting your dog from fatal diseases by keeping them updated on vaccinations is essential. Regularly seeing a veterinarian is also vital for detecting liver problems early, which can help your dog live longer.
The Bottom Line
You, the pet owner, are responsible for knowing the symptoms of liver disease so that you can get your pet to the veterinarian immediately if they appear. Certain types of liver illnesses are fatal, but your dog can be protected and treated with the right treatments and precautions. Talk to your vet to avoid worrying and stressing about your dog’s safety.
