You can quickly diagnose and deal with a health condition in your dog if you find apparent signs and symptoms, such as swelling or a limp. Unfortunately, the canine liver disease sometimes progresses unseen until it reaches a deadly stage. This makes canine liver disease among the top causes of death, and it is a crucial problem.
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 crucial duties? This organ processes and gathers toxic substances, making it prone to disease.
The signs, symptoms, and root causes of canine liver disease vary widely. It ranges in severity from moderate to fatal, and your dog might show no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs
The early indicators of liver ailment are non-specific, implying numerous other conditions share them. As a result of this, diagnosing liver problems can be complex. Several of the first indications may include:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
Jaundice, in which the skin, eyes, and gums appear yellow, may develop as the problem worsens. If your dog begins turning yellow, you need to drop everything and head straight to Cascade Veterinary Referral Center. Veterinary attention and lab tests are 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 often. On the other hand, disease or trauma may also cause 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 veterinarian might check out your dog’s diet and medication routines if they discover any liver disease indications. They suggest some examinations to see what’s up with your dog’s liver, including blood tests, X-rays, or CT scans. If you want more info about these necessary tests, visiting the vet’s office is best.
Is It Treatable?
Numerous health problems impairing the liver are quite treatable. The vet can treat the symptoms and the underlying condition once the cause has been identified. Medicine, vitamins, dietary adjustments, and surgery from soft tissue veterinary surgeons in Tigard can all help.
Slow-developing problems, like chronic liver disease, are usually easier to diagnose and treat. On the other hand, acute liver disease is more severe and frequently leads to liver failure.
Can It Be Prevented?
Luckily, pet parents can decrease their dogs’ susceptibility to liver complications by taking preventive measures. A dog’s liver can be kept in good working order by feeding it a well-balanced diet. Go to a trusted vet if you have concerns about whether or not the food you’re giving your dog is healthy.
Safeguarding your dog from deadly diseases by keeping them updated on vaccinations is essential. Regularly seeing a veterinarian is also vital for discovering liver complications 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 vet immediately if they show up. Certain types of liver illnesses are deadly, but your dog can be defended and treated with the right treatments and precautions. Talk to your veterinarian to prevent worrying and stressing about your dog’s safety.
