Yellowing of the skin and eyes

What is jaundice in dogs?

Jaundice in dogs refers to an accumulation of yellow pigment in the blood and tissues that causes a yellow discoloration of the skin, gums and eyes. This is also known as jaundice. The yellow pigment is called bilirubin and is normally processed by the liver and excreted in the bile. However, if too much bilirubin is produced or if the liver or bile ducts are not functioning properly, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice.

What are the causes of jaundice in dogs?

There are many possible causes of jaundice in dogs. They can be divided into three categories: prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic.

• Prehepatic jaundice is caused by increased destruction of red blood cells, which release more bilirubin than the liver can process. This can occur in diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, blood parasites, poisoning or incompatible blood transfusions.
• Hepatic jaundice is caused by damage or disease to the liver that impairs its ability to process and excrete bilirubin. This can occur in diseases such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver inflammation, liver failure or liver toxicity.
• Post-hepatic jaundice is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the bile ducts that impede the flow of bile from the liver into the intestine. This can occur in diseases such as gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder cancer or pancreatic cancer.

What are the symptoms of jaundice in dogs?

The most obvious symptom of jaundice in dogs is a yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums or skin, especially the ear flaps. The yellow color may vary depending on the severity of the jaundice. In dark-skinned or dark-furred dogs, it may be more difficult to recognize the jaundice than in light-skinned or light-furred dogs.

In addition to discoloration, dogs with jaundice may show other symptoms that indicate an underlying disease. These may include:

• Discolored urine (dark yellow or brown)
• Increased thirst or urination
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• lethargy
• Weakness
• Pallor
• fever
• Abdominal pain
• Orange feces
• Weight loss
• bleeding
• Confusion

How is jaundice diagnosed in dogs?

If you suspect your dog is suffering from jaundice, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform a thorough physical examination and look for signs of discoloration. He will also take a blood sample to measure bilirubin levels and other liver values. A urine sample may also be taken to look for signs of bilirubin or other abnormalities.

To determine the exact cause of the jaundice, the veterinarian may perform other tests, such as

• A complete blood count (CBC) to look for signs of anemia or infection
• A biochemical profile to look for signs of liver dysfunction or other organ problems
• A coagulation analysis to look for signs of blood clotting disorders
• An X-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen to look for signs of liver or biliary tract disease
• A liver biopsy to take a tissue sample for microscopic examination
• Bile duct catheterization to measure the pressure and flow of bile

How is jaundice treated in dogs?

The treatment of jaundice in dogs depends on treating the underlying cause. This is because jaundice is a symptom of other conditions and not a disease in itself. The vet will create an individualized treatment plan for your dog, which may vary depending on the case. Possible treatment options include:

• Fluid therapy to reduce dehydration and toxins in the blood
• Blood transfusions to compensate for blood loss or anemia
• Antibiotics to fight infections
• Steroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation or autoimmune reactions
• Drugs that support or improve liver function
• Surgery to remove tumors, stones or other obstructions
• Dietary changes to relieve the liver and aid digestion

How to prevent jaundice in dogs?

Jaundice in dogs is not always preventable as some of the underlying causes are genetic or unpredictable. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk or at least detect the condition early. These include:

• Keeping your dog away from toxic substances that can damage his liver, such as plants, medications, pesticides or chocolate
• Have your dog regularly vaccinated against diseases that can destroy his red blood cells, such as parvovirus or leptospirosis
• Have your dog regularly checked and treated for parasites that can destroy his red blood cells, such as heartworms or babesia
• Feed your dog a balanced, high-quality diet that supports his liver health
• Take your dog to the vet for regular routine check-ups to check his health and detect potential problems early on