How to Recognize Liver Disease in Canines

Liver disease causes major upsets in the rest of the body systems when not treated and controlled. This can often lead to death in dogs when not caught in time. Considering that the liver is the more or less crossroads for all blood in the body, anything in the blood is filtered through the liver. Any problem with the filtering mechanism could cause irreparable damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canine
• Good attention span
• Decent eyesight
• Veterinarian

How To Recognize Liver Disease In Canines

1. Watch your dog's tummy for distension or a fluid filled look. This is what is referred to as ascites medically, which means it is swelling around the tummy because of bad circulation.

2. Watch your dog's urine color and amount. A normal coloring is clear to a light yellow. If it becomes orange, he/she is putting off bilirubin that is in the urine. This means that jaundice is not far behind, which is a yellowing of any white skin.

3. Capture some fecal material and check it for a gray or dull color. Bile is what makes the fecal matter have color, and if there is no color, the liver is not processing the bile in the correct way.

4. If your doggy doesn't want to play, or seems lethargic, this can also be a liver condition. If the water consumption is much more than normal circumstances, and a lack of eating will both be dangerous signs of liver function being impaired.

5. If your dog exhibits any of these signs for more than a day or so, take them to the Veterinarian immediately. Blood work can be drawn and tested for liver enzymes. This will tell them for certain if your doggy can take medication, or if the liver condition is too far gone to be able to cure.