Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of Liver Disease and Cirrhosis in Dogs – How to Protect Your Beloved Pet from IllnessThe Power of Immunity to Overcome Liver Disease in Dogs

Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type 1 Infection) – Liver Disease and Cirrhosis in Dogs

Unvaccinated puppies can experience fatal symptoms, including sudden collapse (extreme weakness or sudden severe consciousness impairment) and sudden death. In adult dogs, it often passes without symptoms.

Symptoms of canine infectious hepatitis include fever lasting for several days due to liver inflammation, nasal discharge, coughing, and loss of appetite.

In severe cases, liver dysfunction and liver failure progress due to the fever.

During the recovery period, a characteristic of canine infectious hepatitis known as “blue eye,” where the cornea becomes bluish-white and cloudy, can persist for several weeks.

This cloudiness can sometimes recover, but it may also remain.

Treatment of Canine Infectious Hepatitis – Liver Disease in Dogs

There is no effective treatment for canine infectious hepatitis.

Non-specific antiviral agents like interferon may be used to suppress the virus, and intravenous fluids containing proteins and vitamins may be administered to support liver function.

Antibiotics may also be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

As a dietary therapy, we highly recommend incorporating food that supports liver function.

Prevention of Canine Infectious Hepatitis – Canine Liver Disease

Vaccination is effective.
The “Canine Adenovirus Type 1” that causes canine infectious hepatitis is included in all combination vaccines ranging from 3 to 11 types.

Acute Hepatitis in Dogs – Canine Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Acute hepatitis in dogs refers to a state where there is acute inflammation in the liver.

Acute hepatitis can be caused by bacterial infections or as a result of suppuration when an injury becomes infected.

Regardless of the cause, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be observed.
Jaundice, ascites, and progression to chronic hepatitis may occur, and in the worst cases, it can lead to coma.

Treatment of Acute Hepatitis in Dogs – Canine Liver Disease

When a dog develops acute hepatitis, symptoms are alleviated through fluid therapy and antibiotic administration.

Additionally, it is recommended to maintain a stress-free environment while providing nutritional support and dietary therapy.

Prevention of Acute Hepatitis in Dogs – Canine Liver Disease

Periodic check-ups, avoiding the intake of harmful substances, and vaccination (to prevent adenovirus) are recommended.

However, by the time symptoms such as jaundice or ascites are observed, liver damage may have already progressed considerably. Therefore, it is advisable to seek early medical evaluation if symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea appear.

Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis in Dogs – Canine Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

When this condition (chronic hepatitis) progresses, fibrosis occurs as lung tissue becomes fibrous, leading to liver fibrosis.
When this state becomes prolonged and alters the overall structure of the liver, it results in cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis in dogs can cause disruptions in the hepatic blood flow dynamics, eventually leading to conditions such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy.

Cirrhosis tends to be more common in specific breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers, and in the case of Bedlington Terriers, genetic copper accumulation has been noted.

Dogs with cirrhosis often exhibit no symptoms, but commonly experience reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and a tendency to bleed may appear.

Moreover, because liver function is impaired, the detoxification of toxins like ammonia is hindered, potentially leading to neurological symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis in Dogs – Canine Liver Disease

In cases of drug-induced chronic hepatitis, reducing or discontinuing the medication is necessary.

If there are strong side effects or if the desired effect is not achieved, combining immunosuppressants can help mitigate inflammation.

When liver function decline results in ascites, diuretics are used to promote water excretion.
Other dietary therapies (see here for ingredients that support liver function) are essentially protein-restricted diets aimed at reducing ammonia production.

However, dogs and cats require more protein than we do, so it is advisable to utilize forms of protein that can be absorbed as amino acids, such as (BCAA).

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of domestic SPF pig-derived placenta extracts may help alleviate symptoms.

Prevention of Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis in Dogs – Dog Liver Disease

It is essential to avoid excessive use of medications and the intake of harmful substances (such as additives) to prevent putting stress on the liver.

Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs – Dog Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

A shunt refers to an abnormal connection in which blood vessels that would normally connect the digestive tract, pancreas, and spleen to the liver (portal vein) are instead connected to the vena cava through a short-circuiting vessel.

Due to this abnormality, toxins like ammonia, which should be detoxified in the liver, bypass it and enter the vena cava, circulating throughout the body and causing toxic damage.

In some cases, the liver fails to grow adequately due to insufficient blood supply, resulting in impaired function and potential growth deficiencies in the body.

Shunts can be located either inside the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic). Intrahepatic shunts are more common in large dogs and are difficult to surgically treat, whereas extrahepatic shunts are more common in cats and small dogs, and a surgical method involving the closure of the shunt vessels with special devices exists.

These shunts are often congenital (present at birth), leading to symptoms like developmental delays and neurological issues.

The age of onset is said to be from 4 weeks old, and in males, there is a higher probability of concurrent cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).

Additionally, as genetic factors are suspected, one preventive measure is to avoid breeding dogs that may carry the portosystemic shunt gene.

Acquired portosystemic shunt manifests due to increased blood pressure in the portal vein, resulting from liver disorders such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, or chronic hepatitis, and bile duct obstruction that congest blood flow entering the liver.

Even if typical symptoms do not present, abnormalities may be detected through hematuria caused by bladder stones (due to excessive ammonia in the blood), blood tests (liver values, ammonia levels, pre- and post-meal total bile acid values), and X-rays (showing a small liver).

Ultrasonography is an exceedingly effective diagnostic tool, while CT scans also provide an evaluation of the portal vein.

Treatment of Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs – Liver Disease in Dogs

As previously mentioned, surgery can be effective for extrahepatic shunts.

In terms of medical treatments, to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, diets with restricted proteins, antibiotics, and lactulose can be utilized to suppress ammonia production.

For acquired cases where surgery is not considered applicable, eliminating the cause of the increased portal pressure is crucial.

For dietary therapy that you may want to actively incorporate, please refer to these foods that support liver function.

Prevention of Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs – Liver Disease in Dogs

In congenital cases, avoiding breeding to prevent the propagation of portosystemic shunt genes can prevent further occurrence.

In acquired cases, it is necessary to avoid factors that increase portal pressure, such as excessive medication, intake of harmful substances, and unbalanced nutrition.

Moreover, for breeds prone to the condition, regular examinations for early detection are also important.

Gallbladder Sludge and Gallstones in Dogs – Liver Disease and Cirrhosis in Dogs

Gallbladder sludge and gallstones refer to the condition where bile-derived sludge or stones accumulate in the gallbladder, which stores bile.

This can result from endocrine abnormalities in dogs, bacterial infections causing cholecystitis, or diet, but cholecystitis may also develop from concurrent conditions such as enteritis, pancreatitis, or hepatitis, progressing to gallbladder sludge or gallstones.

In cases of cholecystitis in dogs, changes in bile composition can lead to crystallization of calcium, forming gallstones, or increased viscosity of bile, causing sludge and leading to gallbladder sludge.

Symptoms of cholecystitis, gallbladder sludge, and gallstones in dogs include decreased energy and appetite, vomiting, jaundice, changes in stool color (pale stools), and occasional abdominal pain, although there are often no symptoms in the early stages.

Thus, late detection is common, and in the worst cases, gallbladder rupture can result in peritoneal contamination and peritonitis.

Blood tests typically show abnormal liver enzymes and total bile acids, while X-rays and ultrasound imaging can detect gallstones and sludge.

Treatment of Gallbladder Sludge and Gallstones in Dogs – Liver Disease in Dogs

For asymptomatic or mild cases, medical treatments including antibiotics and choleretics (medications promoting bile secretion) are employed, with ongoing ultrasound monitoring.

If medical treatment is unresponsive or in severe cases, or if gallstones consist of calcium salts indicating limited efficacy of medical treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Surgical methods may involve removal of gallstones or sludge from the gallbladder but generally involve complete gallbladder removal to prevent recurrence.

In dietary therapy, avoiding snacks and high-fat diets (low-fat diets) is recommended.

Please refer to these foods that support liver function.

Prevention of Gallbladder Sludge and Gallstones in Dogs – Liver Disease in Dogs

Regular check-ups for early detection and treatment, as well as appropriate diet and exercise from a young age, are essential.

Since gallbladder disease can often develop due to a weakened immune system, it is also important to reduce stress as much as possible.

Moreover, if there are endocrine abnormalities, the composition of bile can easily change, so treatment for endocrine disorders should be implemented.

Gallbladder Mucocele – Liver Diseases and Cirrhosis in Dogs

Gallbladder mucocele is a benign tumor where mucus accumulates in the gallbladder, causing it to enlarge. This disease is common in older dogs that are prone to hyperlipidemia, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Shetland Sheepdogs.

Bacterial infections or inflammation can change the environment inside the gallbladder, leading to excessive mucus production.

The accumulation of jelly-like bile due to mucus can cause cholecystitis, or block the bile ducts (common bile duct), resulting in jaundice, nausea, decreased energy and appetite, and liver failure.

In severe cases, the gallbladder wall can rupture, causing bile to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis. This may present with fever, abdominal pain, ascites, and overall collapse.

Blood tests often reveal elevated liver values, hyperlipidemia, increased total bile acid levels, and elevated inflammation markers, but an ultrasound examination is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. If kiwi fruit-like patterns or star-shaped patterns are seen on the ultrasound, a gallbladder mucocele is suspected.

It is not uncommon for there to be no clinical symptoms at all.

Treatment Methods for Gallbladder Mucocele – Liver Diseases in Dogs

In asymptomatic or mild cases, conservative treatment with antibiotics and choleretic agents (drugs promoting bile secretion) is pursued, with regular ultrasound examinations to monitor progress.

However, generally, for dogs exhibiting symptoms related to this disease, surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended.

Postoperative dietary therapy and continuation of conservative treatment are crucial.

Preventative Measures for Gallbladder Mucocele – Liver Diseases in Dogs

Regular check-ups for early detection and treatment, as well as appropriate diet and exercise from a young age, are essential.

Since gallbladder disease can often develop due to a weakened immune system, it is also important to reduce stress as much as possible.

The liver is one of the most crucial organs in the body.

Reducing the burden on the liver can help maintain the health of dogs and cats.

Improving diet is beneficial both for treatment and prevention, and using placenta as a supplement is also recommended.

Consider incorporating foods that support liver function and using Placenta Kiss Powder derived from domestically produced SPF pigs to help promote the well-being of your dogs and cats.

Approaches to Liver Cancer, Liver Diseases, and Cirrhosis in Dogs

For those concerned about their dog’s liver or dogs already suffering from liver disease, administering Placenta Kiss Powder derived from domestically produced SPF pigs for one to two months may improve their condition.

As liver function improves, you can reduce the dosage of Placenta Kiss Powder derived from domestically produced SPF pigs, which will not only invigorate the liver but also improve skin condition and coat quality.

If you have any questions about Placenta Kiss Powder derived from domestically produced SPF pigs, BCAA, or krill oil (EPA/DHA oil extracted from Antarctic krill), please contact us.

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代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
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