Liver disease and ultimately liver failure can become a critical health issue. This condition can be life-threatening, as the liver is responsible for performing many essential functions. It manages immune responses, filters toxins, regulates digestion and metabolism, synthesizes hormones and proteins, and much more. Simply put, without a healthy liver, your pet's overall well-being is at risk.

Causes of Liver Failure

Liver failure can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Diseases
• Liver tumors or cancer
• Toxins
• Medications
• Infections
• Trauma
• Genetic predisposition
  In some cases, the cause of liver failure remains unknown, termed idiopathic liver disease.

Common Diseases Leading to Liver Disease

In dogs, conditions like diabetes, portosystemic shunts, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, heartworm disease, and Leptospirosis are common triggers for liver disease. For cats, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are some of the primary culprits.

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Toxins and Liver Damage

Toxins are another significant cause of liver failure in pets. Chemicals such as iron, arsenic, phosphorus, carbon tetrachloride, insecticides, antifreeze, rodenticides, lead, and selenium are dangerous to the liver. Certain plants like ragwort, algae, and specific mushroom species are also toxic.

Medications such as antifungals, antibiotics, diuretics, dewormers, testosterone, anesthetic gases, corticosteroids, analgesics, and anticonvulsants can become harmful if overdosed or used long-term. Additionally, common household items like xylitol (in sugar-free gum), alcohol, and Tylenol can cause liver failure in pets.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early detection of liver failure can be crucial to successful treatment. If your pet displays any of the following signs, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian immediately:

• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
• Blood clotting issues
• Weight loss
• Vomiting and stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Blood in urine or feces
• Depression
• Neurologic problems (seizures, disorientation, or lack of coordination)
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen

How is Liver Failure Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian has several tools to confirm liver failure, including:

• Bloodwork to evaluate red and white blood cells and liver enzyme levels.
• Urinalysis to assess bilirubin concentration and check for crystals.
• Imaging techniques like radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound to examine the liver's size, shape, and irregularities.
• Liver biopsy, done through fine needle aspiration or exploratory surgery, can offer a more specific diagnosis and help guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment will vary depending on the cause of liver failure. Sometimes, if the liver damage is caught early, recovery is possible due to the liver’s ability to regenerate. In other cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Treatment options may include:

• Fluid therapy to address dehydration
• Liver-supportive supplements or medications, such as Denamarin, Denosyl, or Ursodiol
• Specialized diets and small, frequent meals to minimize the liver's workload. In severe cases, tube feeding may be required.

What’s the Prognosis?

The prognosis for liver failure depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, how long the pet has been sick, the extent of liver damage, and whether the condition can be cured or managed. Your veterinarian will work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your pet.

Liver failure is serious, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. If you notice any concerning symptoms or have questions, remember that our veterinary team is here 24/7 to provide guidance and support.