Liver Disease and Elevated Liver Values in Dogs

When the liver is damaged or inflamed, a blood test can often reveal a problem. This is because the liver cells leak certain enzymes into the bloodstream when they are damaged or inflamed. The blood test can also detect if the liver function is poor, as the blood levels of certain important liver products may be reduced, or the amount of waste products that the liver normally filters out can be increased.

In some cases, increased liver values can be caused by certain medical treatments.

Signs of Liver Disease in Dogs

The liver is a very important organ and disease of the liver can therefore affect many bodily functions. Some common signs of liver disease include: 

• General fatigue or decreased energy
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite and thirst
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (a serious symptom)

What Causes Elevated Liver Values in Dogs?

There are several possible causes of increased liver enzymes. Some of the most common include:

• Liver and/or bile duct inflammation
  Dogs can suffer from both acute and chronic hepatitis. Sometimes, the inflammation is autoimmune, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells. An example could be  copper storage disease, which is more common in certain breeds.
• Liver tumours 
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Toxic exposure or poisoning 
• Cushing’s syndrome – a hormonal imbalance 
• Portosystemic shunt (PSS) – a congenital defect that affects the blood vessel in and around the liver
• Liver cirrhosis – a chronic and progressive liver condition caused by long-term inflammation

What Can I Do as a Dog Owner?

The treatment for liver disease depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is unclear, symptomatic and supportive treatment may be used. Some conditions require a specialised liver-support diet, while others may need medications. You should always follow your vet’s instructions carefully. Be observant and keep records of your dog's symptoms, energy level as well as food and water intake. Contact your vet if your dog seems unwell.

When Should I See a Vet?

Seek veterinary care if your dog:

• Appears tired, unwell or if it refuses food or water
• Has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea 
• May have ingested something toxic
• Doesn’t improve with treatment

Diagnosing and Treating Liver Disease

Your vet will need to run a blood test to diagnose and determine the possible cause of the liver disease. Additional diagnostics like ultrasound and a liver biopsy may be necessary in some cases. The treatment depends on the underlying condition and your dog’s overall health.