Hepatitis in Dogs: Understanding Liver Inflammation, Signs, and Treatment Options for 2025 🐶🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Hepatitis in dogs refers to inflammation of the liver. It’s not a single disease but a syndrome—a cluster of symptoms with many possible causes. From acute to chronic hepatitis, early detection and the right treatment can make a life-changing difference. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for canine hepatitis in 2025. 🧬

🧪 What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis = inflammation of the liver. It can be:

• ⚡ Acute: sudden onset, often reversible
• 📆 Chronic (CH): long-term inflammation that may cause scarring (cirrhosis)

Chronic hepatitis can lead to permanent damage and is also called chronic active hepatitis. It’s progressive—meaning that early diagnosis offers the best chance of a positive outcome. 🩺

🦠 Causes of Hepatitis in Dogs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)

• 🦠 Caused by a virus—not the same as human hepatitis viruses
• 🧼 Spread through urine, feces, saliva, and contaminated objects
• 🛡️ Preventable with puppy vaccines
• 🚨 Rare, but outbreaks occur in unvaccinated dogs and puppies

Other Causes

• 🧪 Toxins or drugs
• 🧫 Viruses, bacteria (especially Leptospirosis), fungi
• ⚙️ Excess copper accumulation
• 🧬 Genetic predisposition
• 🔍 Immune-mediated liver attack
• 🕵️‍♂️ Idiopathic (unknown cause)—the most common form

🐕 Breeds at Higher Risk

• 🐾 Bedlington Terrier
• 🐾 Doberman Pinscher
• 🐾 West Highland White Terrier
• 🐾 Cocker Spaniel
• 🐾 Dalmatian
• 🐾 English Springer Spaniel
• 🐾 Labrador Retriever
• 📉 More common in females and dogs aged 4–10 years

⚠️ Symptoms of Hepatitis

Acute Hepatitis

• 🤢 Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
• 🕊️ Lethargy, depression
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow gums/eyes/skin)
• 🥵 Fever
• 🩸 Bleeding or bruising in severe cases

Chronic Hepatitis

• 😌 Often no early symptoms
• 🍽️ Poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
• 📉 Weight loss, weakness
• 💧 Increased thirst/urination
• 🩸 Bleeding or behavior changes in severe stages

🔍 Diagnosis

Initial screening includes:

• 🩺 History & physical exam
• 🧪 Blood work (ALT, ALP, AST, bilirubin)
• 📉 Serum bile acids (to evaluate liver function)
• 🖥️ Abdominal ultrasound

Liver biopsy remains the gold standard—helping confirm inflammation, scarring, or copper buildup. It also guides treatment planning. 🧫

🧬 Treatment Options

For Acute Hepatitis

• 💧 IV fluids
• 🛡️ Antioxidants (SAMe, vitamin E)
• 🧴 Ursodiol (supports bile flow)
• 💊 Liver support medications

For Chronic Hepatitis

• 🎯 Treat underlying cause (e.g., stop toxic meds, treat infection)
• 🛑 Anti-inflammatories (prednisone or other immunosuppressants)
• ⚖️ Reduce copper with diet or zinc supplementation
• 🍽️ Dietary management: highly digestible, palatable, low-copper diet
• 🧪 Monitor blood clotting function regularly

🍽️ Nutritional Management

• 🥩 Protein restriction only if ammonia-related signs are present
• 🥔 High carb, moderate fat for energy support
• 🌾 Added fiber may improve outcomes
• 🍖 Palatability matters—eating is crucial

📈 Prognosis

Outcomes depend on:

• 📋 Early diagnosis and management
• 🧫 Biopsy findings
• 🧪 Presence of cirrhosis or clotting issues

With appropriate treatment, dogs with CH may live another 2–3 years or more. Acute hepatitis often has a better outlook, especially with early care. 🐶❤️

📱 Ask A Vet: Liver Care Support

Ask A Vet can guide you through:

• 🧪 Interpreting liver tests
• 💊 Safe medication options
• 🥣 Nutrition plans for liver support
• 📉 Monitoring and follow-up testing

Get help anytime at AskAVet.com or through the app. 📲

✅ Summary: Hepatitis in Dogs

• 🦠 Hepatitis = liver inflammation with many causes
• 📉 Acute forms often recover; chronic forms can lead to scarring
• 🐕 Breeds like Dobermans, Labs, and Cockers are at risk
• 🩺 Early signs are subtle—watch ALT and other liver values
• 💊 Treatment targets cause, inflammation, copper, and nutrition

Hepatitis in dogs is manageable when caught early. Don’t ignore elevated liver values—investigating now may extend your dog’s life. 🐶❤️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc