Hepatopathy

Causes of hepatopathy in dogs

There are many possible causes of hepatopathy in dogs, which can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the most common are:

• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
• Poisoning by drugs, plants, heavy metals or other toxins
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or liver cirrhosis
• Congenital or hereditary defects such as portosystemic shunt or copper storage disease
• Trauma or injury to the liver due to accidents or surgery
• Tumors or cancer of the liver or adjacent organs

Symptoms of hepatopathy in dogs

Symptoms of hepatopathy in dogs can vary depending on the cause and extent of liver damage. Some of the most common are:

• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes or eyes)
• Abdominal swelling or ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
• Bleeding or bruising
• Behavioral changes such as lethargy, depression or aggression
• Seizures or neurological disorders
• Urinary tract infections or kidney failure

Diagnosis of hepatopathy in dogs

In order to diagnose hepatopathy in dogs, the vet must carry out a thorough medical history and clinical examination. He will ask about possible risk factors, previous illnesses and symptoms. He will also order a series of tests to assess the function and structure of the liver. These include:

• Blood tests such as liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, blood sugar and clotting factors
• Urinalysis to check for proteinuria, bilirubinuria or crystalluria
• X-ray or ultrasound to assess the size, shape and position of the liver and to rule out tumors or foreign bodies
• Biopsy or aspiration cytology to take a tissue sample from the liver for microscopic examination
• Liver scintigraphy to measure the blood flow and function of the liver using a radioactive substance

Treatment of hepatopathy in dogs

The treatment of hepatopathy in dogs depends on the cause and severity of the disease. The goal is to treat the underlying cause, relieve symptoms and support liver function. Some of the possible treatment options are:

• Antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals to fight infection
• Antidote or activated charcoal to neutralize toxins
• Drugs to regulate the metabolism such as insulin, cortisone or thyroid hormones
• Immunosuppressants or steroids to reduce inflammation or autoimmunity
• Surgery to correct congenital defects, remove tumors or create a shunt
• Dietary measures to reduce the burden on the liver, such as a low-protein, low-fat, high-carbohydrate and vitamin-rich diet
• Dietary supplements to promote liver health, such as milk thistle, lecithin or S-adenosylmethionine
• Fluid and electrolyte therapy to correct dehydration or ascites
• Blood transfusions or clotting factors to treat bleeding or anemia