Liver Conditions in Cats and Dogs: Causes, Signs, Treatment

The liver is one of the body's vital organs, carrying out hundreds of essential functions to keep your cat or dog healthy and thriving. Due to its workload, the liver can sometimes sustain damage or become diseased, but with proper care and early intervention, many pets can manage liver conditions and enjoy a good quality of life.

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver plays numerous key roles in maintaining your pet's wellbeing. Its many functions include:

• Metabolising proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy and nutrients.
• Storing vitamins, minerals, and sugars for later use.
• Filtering blood to remove harmful chemicals and bacteria.
• Producing bile to aid in fat digestion.
• Supporting the immune system by generating immune substances.
• Maintaining electrolyte and water balance.
• Breaking down and eliminating excess hormones.
• Helping to regulate blood pressure.
• Removing damaged red blood cells from circulation.

Because the liver is responsible for over 500 functions, damage often leads to inflammation known as hepatitis. Other diseases can also impair how the liver works, making early detection crucial.

Recognising Signs of Liver Conditions

Symptoms of liver disease can resemble other health problems, so vigilance is important. If you notice these signs in your cat or dog, seek veterinary advice promptly:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Excessive drooling in cats
• Depression in dogs
• In severe cases, neurological signs such as circling, head pressing, wandering, blindness, aggression, or unsteady gait, often due to toxin build-up affecting the brain.

Common Causes of Liver Disease

Liver conditions may develop from a variety of factors, with some increasing your pet’s risk:

Age

Liver tumours are generally more common in pets over ten years old, but some liver disorders are congenital. For example, a portosystemic shunt diverts blood away from the liver, preventing toxin removal, and usually becomes evident between six months and one year old.

Breed Predisposition

Certain breeds are more susceptible to liver disease. Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Irish Wolfhounds, Golden retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherd dogs and Poodles are among dog breeds known to have increased liver disease risk. In cats, Siamese are more prone to liver problems.

Obesity

Overweight cats have a higher chance of developing liver disease, particularly hepatic lipidosis.

Toxins, Drugs, and Other Diseases

Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and certain medications such as corticosteroids can harm the liver. Infectious diseases like leptospirosis, or systemic illnesses including diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hyperthyroidism also contribute. In cats, extended anorexia can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a serious condition where fat accumulation impairs liver function.

Diagnosis

Because symptoms are often non-specific, a vet will perform blood tests checking liver enzymes and red blood cells, possibly followed by x-rays or ultrasound imaging. Accurate diagnosis is essential to guide treatment.

Treatment and Management

Thankfully, the liver can regenerate, but early treatment is vital. Depending on severity and cause, treatment options include:

• Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids to flush toxins and support the liver.
• Antibiotics for secondary infections.
• Laxatives to help cleanse the body.
• Blood transfusions if anaemia or clotting issues occur.
• Prescription diets designed to reduce toxin production, rich in easily digestible nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
• Medications to assist toxin breakdown.
• Chemotherapy for liver tumours when appropriate.

Some vets may incorporate natural therapies like herbal medicine or acupuncture as adjuncts, but these should only be used under vet supervision.

Should you suspect your pet has a liver condition, contact your veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and tailored care. Early intervention offers the best chance to help your cat or dog live as comfortably and fully as possible.