Liver Failure in Dogs

Liver failure is a life-threatening condition and, as such, must be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate medical attention is crucial as any delay in veterinary care can result in the animal's death.

Symptoms of liver failure can vary in severity depending on the stage and underlying cause of the condition.

The most common symptoms associated with liver failure affect the gastrointestinal system.

As the liver plays a crucial role in filtering waste, renal symptoms can occur in dogs with liver failure.

The loss of liver function changes the animal's blood and brain chemistry, causing the development of secondary neurological symptoms, grouped under the name hepatic encephalopathy.

Dogs presenting symptoms of liver failure generally undergo the following diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the condition and the consequent course of treatment:

• Diagnostic imaging
• Blood work
• Blood culture
• Urinalysis
• Hepatic function tests
• Hepatic biopsy

The first step in liver failure treatment is the animal's stabilization

• IV fluid therapy
• Supportive care
• Anti vomiting medication

Note: Induction of vomiting or administration of activated charcoal should only be performed by a veterinarian. There is no safe way to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal at home.

If the animal can be stabilized and the underlying condition causing the hepatic failure is treatable, a number of treatment options are available:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medication
• Chemotherapy
• Induced emesis
• Seizure medication

Liver failure is often irreversible and cannot be treated.

Prognosis of hepatic failure varies and is dependent on the severity of the underlying cause of the condition.

With prompt and proper treatment, some affected patients are able to recover. Nonetheless, prognosis remains guarded as the animal's biochemistry may not return to normal.

Even with treatment, affected animals are at higher risk of developing a number of potentially life-threatening complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, bacterial infections, and blood clotting defects.

In cases of delayed or improper treatment, or when the underlying cause cannot be treated, recovery is not expected.

Considering the wide array of underlying conditions and risk factors that can bring about liver failure, preventive strategies include:

• Avoiding contact with animals infected with viral or fungal infections
• Always supervising the animal while outside
• Keeping alcohol, drugs, and medications out of pets' reach
• Proper disposal of food scraps
• Keeping the animal in a climate-controlled environment during hot months
• Screening dogs for infectious diseases before introducing them into a home with other animals
• Keeping up to date with annual vaccinations
• Regular annual veterinarian check-ups can help maintain the animal's general health and increase the likelihood of early detection

Unvaccinated animals are at a higher risk of developing a number of conditions that are linked with the development of liver disease and hepatic failure.

• IV fluid therapy
• Supportive care
• Anti vomiting medication
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medication
• Chemotherapy
• Induced emesis
• Seizure medication