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Canine chronic hepatitis

The liver is the body's factory: it filters waste, transforms nutrients, makes proteins and participates in coagulation. In chronic hepatitis, inflammation persists in the liver and gradually destroys its cells, replacing them with scar tis...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

The liver is the body's factory: it filters waste, transforms nutrients, makes proteins and participates in coagulation.

In chronic hepatitis, inflammation persists in the liver and gradually destroys its cells, replacing them with scar tissue. The liver hardens and loses its function: this is cirrhosis.

The liver having large reserves, the signs often only appear when a significant part of the organ is already affected. The disease therefore progressed in silence for months.

Key point

Yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes, a stomach filling with fluid or behavioral problems in a dog with liver disease require rapid consultation: these are signs of an advanced stage.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Jaundice Loss of appetite Weight loss Vomiting Reduction Drinks a lot Urine a lot Dark urine Bloating Diarrhea Hard or painful abdomen Soft stools

Decreased appetite and progressive weight loss.

Dejection, fatigue from exercise, dog sleeping more.

Intermittent vomiting and diarrhea.

Increased thirst and urine volume.

Yellow coloring of the gums, the white of the eye and the skin: this is a late but very suggestive sign.

Dark, tea-colored urine.

Stomach that swells due to accumulation of fluid.

In the advanced stages, behavioral problems: dog which seems absent, leans its head against a wall, turns in circles, presents an unsteady gait or seizures. These signs reflect intoxication of the brain by waste that the liver no longer filters.

Abnormal bleeding, easy bruising, due to clotting disorders.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

In many dogs, no precise cause is identified despite a complete assessment.

Accumulation of copper in the liver: this is a well-described cause, of hereditary origin in certain breeds.

Immune reaction directed against liver cells.

Toxics and medications: certain substances, plants and molecules can damage the liver, particularly during prolonged treatments without monitoring.

Infections, notably leptospirosis, which can cause liver damage.

Long-standing diseases of the bile ducts.

Recognized racial predisposition to copper accumulation, particularly in the Bedlington Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Doberman, West Highland White Terrier, Dalmatian and Cocker Spaniel.

Middle to advanced age for most forms.

Prolonged drug treatments without blood control.

Access to toxic substances, plants or household products.

Absence of vaccination against leptospirosis in regions where it circulates.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

A dog that is losing weight, drinking more and lacking appetite must be examined: the liver is one of the avenues to explore.

The veterinarian performs a complete blood test, including liver enzymes, proteins, bilirubin and a liver function test.

A coagulation assessment is essential before any liver sampling.

An ultrasound of the abdomen assesses the size, shape and structure of the liver, as well as the presence of fluid.

The definitive diagnosis is based on a liver biopsy, with microscopic analysis and measurement of the copper content: this is what guides the treatment, because a liver overloaded with copper cannot be treated like an inflammation of immune origin.

Screening for leptospirosis is considered depending on the context.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause identified by the biopsy; this is why this examination is decisive.

In the event of copper overload, a treatment that captures copper is prescribed, combined with a diet low in copper.

In cases of immune-related inflammation, medications that slow down the immune reaction are used under veterinary supervision.

Liver protectants and antioxidants are commonly combined.

Treatment to facilitate the flow of bile is often prescribed.

Diet plays a major role: good quality food, adapted to liver damage, often given in several small meals.

Complications are treated separately: fluid in the stomach, neurological disorders, bleeding.

No medication or supplement should be given without veterinary advice: the diseased liver does not tolerate many substances well.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Never give a dog a human medication or supplement without veterinary advice.

Respect the blood checks requested during long-term treatments.

Keep vaccinations up to date, particularly against leptospirosis where it circulates.

Avoid access to household products, toxic plants and treated areas.

In breeds predisposed to copper overload, regular blood screening makes it possible to identify the problem before the signs; do not breed affected dogs.

Have a blood test performed during annual visits for middle-aged to older dogs.

Possible complications

Cirrhosis: scar tissue permanently replaces liver cells.

Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

Intoxication of the brain by unfiltered waste, with confusion, staggering gait and seizures.

Bleeding due to manufacturing defects of clotting factors.

Digestive ulcers.

Hypertension in the liver vessels.

Associated kidney damage in certain forms.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog's gums or the whites of his eyes are turning yellow: consult quickly.

His urine is dark, tea color.

He is losing weight, eating less and getting tired for several weeks.

Her stomach gradually swells.

He seems disoriented, leans his head against a wall, staggers or has a seizure: it's an emergency.

He bleeds easily or has bruises without shock.

He is undergoing long-term treatment and his general condition is deteriorating.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the stage at the time of diagnosis and the cause found.

Copper overload treated early often allows for a favorable and prolonged outcome.

Forms diagnosed at the stage of cirrhosis, with fluid in the stomach or neurological disorders, have a guarded prognosis.

Regular monitoring of analyzes and strict compliance with treatment and diet significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life.

Scar tissue that has already formed does not disappear: the goal is to stop progression.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a liver biopsy necessary?

Because blood tests show that the liver is suffering, but not why. Only biopsy distinguishes copper overload from immune-related inflammation, and these two situations are treated differently.

Can the liver regenerate?

The liver has real regenerative capabilities, but the scar tissue already installed does not transform into a functional liver. Hence the importance of intervening before the stage of cirrhosis.

Can my dog continue to receive his other treatments?

It's up to your veterinarian to judge: a diseased liver does not eliminate certain molecules well. Always report all donated products, including supplements.

Is this disease contagious?

No, chronic hepatitis is not contagious. On the other hand, leptospirosis, which can cause it, is transmitted and also concerns humans: it requires separate treatment.