Hepatic disease encompasses a wide range of conditions in dogs. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly reduce suffering and extend quality life.
Dogs with hepatic disease experience a range of welfare harms depending on disease type and severity. Hepatic encephalopathy — neurological dysfunction caused by toxin accumulation when the liver fails to clear ammonia — causes disorientation, behavioural changes, and seizures that are distressing for the animal. Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) from portal hypertension causes physical discomfort and difficulty breathing. Jaundice indicates severe bilirubin accumulation that affects multiple organ systems. Many dogs with chronic liver disease have extended periods of reduced appetite, nausea, and lethargy before more severe signs develop. Dietary management using reduced protein (to reduce ammonia load) combined with lactulose to reduce colonic ammonia absorption significantly reduces encephalopathic signs. SAMe and milk thistle (silymarin) have some evidence supporting hepatoprotective effects in dogs.