The liver is a vital organ in your dog’s body, second only to the skin in terms of size. It functions as both an organ and a gland, performing over 500 essential tasks from regulating body temperature and storing vitamins to producing bile and maintaining blood composition. When the liver stops working correctly, the consequences can be severe and even life threatening. In this article, we will explore the importance of the liver, the signs, types and causes of canine liver disease, and dietary considerations for dogs with liver problems.
What is liver disease?
Liver disease is one of the most common non-infectious diseases affecting dogs. It can range from mild conditions that are easily manageable to more severe cases that can be life-threatening. Some of the common forms of liver disease in dogs include hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), and liver tumours.
The prevalence of liver disease can vary among different breeds and age groups. While some dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to certain types of liver disease, liver disease can affect any dog.
