The liver serves a vital role in many important bodily functions. It is critical in the metabolism or breakdown of many drugs, enabling the body to use therapeutic medications. The liver detoxifies the blood, ridding the body of harmful chemicals and metabolites. In addition to its important filtration system, the liver is a very productive organ. By producing glucose from precursors other than carbohydrates, the liver serves to maintain adequate blood sugar levels. It is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol, a substance that is a precursor to bile and many important hormones. The liver is also responsible for producing vital proteins such as the blood’s clotting factors and albumin, which is necessary for maintaining fluid balance within the body’s circulatory system.
Here are 6 types of liver disease in pets as below:
Infectious
Although the underlying cause of pet liver disease often remains a mystery, there are several agents known to cause destruction of hepatocytes, the cells that comprise the liver. Leptospirosis, a bacteria transmitted through contact with urine, poses a risk to both pets and humans. An adenovirus is responsible for infectious hepatitis. Fortunately, vaccines are available to prevent both. Systemic fungal infections such as Histoplasmosis can affect multiple organs, including the liver. Parasites such as flukes can have a primary effect on the liver or a secondary effect as is seen with heartworm infection.
Toxicities
Pet parents are often surprised to learn that many naturally occurring materials are dangerous to their pets. If ingested by dogs, plants such as sago palm, groundsel, and the bulbs of ornamental flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and amaryllis can cause multiorgan failure, which includes the liver. Severe liver damage can also occur following the ingestion of toxic mushrooms. One of the most common inciting agents of acute liver failure in dogs is xylitol, an artificial sweetener. With the increase in xylitol’s use in baked goods and peanut butter, dogs are at a greater risk for the sweetener’s life-threatening side effects of liver cell death and low blood sugar. With an awareness of the potential danger posed by various toxins, pet parents can take measures to avoid their pet’s exposure.
Drug-Induced
In addition to taking precautions when it comes to organic substances, pet parents also need to be mindful of various drugs that can induce liver damage. Some medications, although prescribed by a veterinarian, require periodic blood tests to monitor liver enzyme levels. Medications such as glucocorticoids (prednisone) and anticonvulsants (phenobarbital) can impact the liver, especially when given on a long-term basis. Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline can be harmful to the liver and need to be given with caution to dogs with any liver impairment. Although dogs are not as sensitive to acetaminophen (Panadol) as cats, if an accidental overdose occurs, dogs can develop liver failure.
Congenital
Several dog breeds have a genetic predisposition for developing liver disease. One such problem is known as a portal-systemic shunt (PSS). The term refers to the abnormal blood vessels that carry blood from the intestines, stomach, and pancreas around instead of through the liver. Because the liver is bypassed, it is not able to detoxify the blood coming from other vital organs. Ammonia is a toxin that is normally broken down by the liver. Dogs with PSS develop abnormally elevated blood ammonia levels, which can result in neurologic symptoms such as head pressing, gait changes, behavior changes, and seizures. While the majority of liver shunts are congenital, some are acquired. Any breed can be affected, but some breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Silky Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Cairn Terriers, and Miniature Poodles are predisposed. PSS can be managed both medically and surgically.
Tumors
Metastatic disease (cancer that has spread from where it originated) is significantly more common than primary liver tumors. Primary liver tumors can originate in the liver itself or in the bile duct. Inciting causes of liver tumors include parasites and toxin exposure. Metastatic lesions can arise from tissues such as the lungs, pancreas, mammary glands, bone, and spleen. Whether your pet has been diagnosed with primary or metastatic liver tumors, an oncology consult is often recommended.
Hepatic Lipidosis
Hepatic lipidosis is the most common liver disease in cats. It often occurs when cats suddenly stop eating or experience sudden excessive weight loss. Hepatic lipidosis usually occurs in overweight, middle-aged female cats (about 7 years old). However, it can also occur in male cats.
Causes of Liver Disease in Pets
Pets develop liver disease when any of their liver's functions are disrupted. Here are a few of the most common conditions that lead to liver disease:
Infectious hepatitis:
Hepatitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the liver. Thankfully, vaccines can help prevent many of the infections that cause hepatitis.
Toxic hepatopathy or Hepatotoxicity:
There are a number of liver toxins that can cause liver disease in dogs and cats.
Vacuolar (Endocrine) hepatopathy (VH):
Cushing's disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes are the most common endocrine diseases that can affect your dog's liver.
Portosystemic shunts:
When blood vessels bypass the liver, it can lead to an excess of toxins in the bloodstream and can cause liver disease.
Liver cancers:
Liver cancer can originate in the liver tissue or can spread there from other parts of the body.
Inherited liver diseases:
These include copper storage disease in Bedlington terriers and West Highland white terriers, among other breeds, and amyloidosis in shar-peis.
Idiopathic chronic hepatitis:
This inflammatory condition may be autoimmune in origin. It may also be influenced by infectious diseases of the liver.
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