Liver Disease in Dogs & Cats

What is liver disease?

The liver cleans the blood, makes proteins and clotting factors, stores energy and makes bile, which helps digest fat. Liver disease means liver cells are damaged or the liver cannot do this work well.

There are many causes, including infections such as leptospirosis, toxins and mouldy food, long-term inflammation (hepatitis), cancer and copper build-up in some dog breeds. Some puppies and kittens are born with a liver shunt, a blood vessel that carries blood around the liver instead of through it. In cats, fatty liver can develop when a cat stops eating, especially an overweight cat, and inflammation of the bile ducts is also common.

The liver has a lot of spare capacity, so blood tests often find problems before signs appear.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weight loss and low energy
• Yellow eyes, gums or skin (jaundice)
• Drinking and urinating more
• A swollen belly
• Confusion, head pressing, wobbling or fits

These signs also have other causes, so tests matter.

Which lab tests help

The Liver Function Test (LFT) is the usual first step. It typically includes ALT and AST, enzymes that leak from damaged liver cells, ALP, which is linked to bile flow, and bilirubin and blood proteins. In dogs, ALP can also rise for reasons outside the liver, for example in growing puppies or with Cushing's disease.

The Bile Acids (Fasting & Post-prandial) test uses two blood samples, one after fasting and one after a meal. It shows how well the liver is working and can point to a liver shunt, even when enzymes look normal.

Bilirubin Total, Direct & Indirect helps your vet work out why a pet looks yellow. Yellowing can come from liver disease, blocked bile flow or red cells breaking down. Ammonia can help when a pet shows confusion or fits, because a weak liver may not clear it. Ammonia samples must be tested very soon after collection, so ask about sample handling when you book.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urine Routine and clotting tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT) add detail, often before your vet takes a biopsy. Ultrasound scans are arranged by your vet, not the lab. A Histopathology / Biopsy or FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) sample taken by your vet can help find the cause.

Each result is interpreted by a registered veterinarian together with your pet's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet stops eating, vomits, loses weight or looks yellow. A cat that stops eating should also be seen promptly, because fatty liver can follow. Confusion, fits, collapse or bleeding need a vet the same day.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can come through your local vet or be sent by courier or bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to arrange it. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.