PART 2 OF THE DOG LIVER DISEASE SERIES

If you haven’t already, please read part 1:causes and symptoms of liver disease in dogs.

Diagnosis of liver disease in dogs can sometimes be very obvious in dogs with yellow skin and distended bellies, but other times it can be difficult to uncover, and requires more advanced testing.

The 7 most common tests for diagnosis of liver disease in dogs

1. Physical Exam – Aphysical exam of the dogmay reveal findings that could indicate liver disease. This can include yellowing of the skin, sudden weight loss, excessive drinking and urination and swelling of the abdomen.
2. Blood Work – Canine blood work looks at liver enzymes and protein levels – to name just a few things that can change when dogs have liver disease.
3. Bile Acid Panel – This is a specific blood test that can give an indication about how well a dog’s liver is working.
4. X-Rays of the Abdomen – A canine x-ray panel of the abdomen will be able to show the overall size and shape of the dog’s liver. We are also looking for masses, smaller or larger size, and mineralization or stones within the gall bladder.
5. Abdominal Ultrasound – This gives a detailed look at the liver and the surrounding organs. Sometimes diseases of the pancreas, adrenal glands or intestinal tract can cause a change in the liver enzymes on the blood work. We are also looking for abnormal blood vessels that may shunt blood around or through the liver.
6. Coagulation Testing – This is done before surgery or liver biopsy in dogs with suspected liver disease. The liver makes clotting factors that may be low with liver disease.
7. Liver Biopsy – This requires an anaesthetic to do safely, and can be done with an ultrasound,laparoscopically or with surgeryby opening the abdomen. This test will usually give a name to the disease, but can sometimes come back with vague results.

liver disease treatment in dogs

The treatment of liver disease in dogs depends on what the final diagnosis is. This can range from antibiotics to treat infections, long term medication for immune mediated diseases, hospitalization for critically ill patients, or surgery for portosystemic (liver) shunts and removal of liver tumours. Propercanine nutrition and dietscan also be a very important part of helping dogs with liver disease.

If you think your dog might have liver disease or want to know more about treatment options, pleasecontact your veterinarian.The sooner you seek help, the sooner we will be able to have them running in the park again.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley