🩺 Vet Liver Health Guide 2025: Hepatitis in Dogs — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Long-Term Management

Hepatitis in dogs is more than a single disease—it’s a syndrome of liver inflammation that can take many forms. It may develop suddenly (acute hepatitis) or progress quietly over months to years (chronic hepatitis). I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this comprehensive 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through what hepatitis is, how we diagnose and treat it, and how to support your dog’s liver for the long run. 🐶

1. What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. It can be:

• ⚡ Acute hepatitis: Sudden and severe onset
• 🕒 Chronic hepatitis (CH): Ongoing, slow inflammation that may lead to cirrhosis (scarring) and liver failure

Hepatitis is a syndrome, not a specific disease—it has many potential causes, and outcomes vary depending on when it's caught and how it's managed. 🧬

2. Causes of Hepatitis in Dogs

2.1 Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)

• 🦠 Caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1)
• 🐶 Preventable by vaccination
• 🧒 Mostly affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs
• 🤒 Signs: fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

2.2 Other Causes of Acute Hepatitis

• ☠️ Toxins (e.g. mushrooms, xylitol, aflatoxins)
• 💊 Certain medications (e.g. NSAIDs, anticonvulsants)
• 🧫 Infections: leptospirosis, bacterial, fungal

2.3 Causes of Chronic Hepatitis

• ⚠️ Copper accumulation (especially in predisposed breeds)
• 🧬 Autoimmune disease
• 🦠 Persistent infections
• 🚫 Idiopathic (unknown cause)—most common form

3. Breed & Age Risk Factors

Chronic hepatitis tends to affect middle-aged to older dogs (4–10 years).

High-risk breeds include:

• Bedlington Terriers
• Doberman Pinschers
• West Highland White Terriers
• English Springer Spaniels
• Labrador Retrievers
• American & English Cocker Spaniels
• Jack Russell Terriers
• Great Danes, Standard Poodles

CH is more common in females than males. 💡

4. Symptoms of Hepatitis

4.1 Acute Hepatitis

• 🥱 Lethargy or depression
• 🥵 Fever
• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 💧 Dehydration
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow gums, eyes, skin)
• 🩸 Bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds, bruising)

4.2 Chronic Hepatitis

• 🍽️ Poor appetite
• ⚖️ Weight loss
• 🐕 Increased thirst and urination
• 🤮 Occasional vomiting or loose stool
• 🧠 Neurological changes (advanced cases)

⚠️ Dogs with CH may appear normal until the disease is advanced—liver damage can be silent. That’s why catching liver enzyme changes early is crucial. 🔬

5. Diagnosing Hepatitis

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

5.1 Physical Exam

• 🩺 Checking for abdominal pain, jaundice, weakness

5.2 Bloodwork

• 🧪 Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, bilirubin)
• 💉 Low blood sugar, anemia, or clotting issues

5.3 Liver Function Tests

• 🧫 Bile acids: Measures how well liver processes and clears toxins

5.4 Imaging

• 🩻 Ultrasound: Assesses liver size, texture, gallbladder, and other organs

5.5 Liver Biopsy

• 🔍 The gold standard for diagnosis
• 🔬 Confirms inflammation, scarring, copper buildup, or cancer

6. Treatment for Hepatitis

6.1 Acute Hepatitis

• 💧 IV fluids for hydration
• 🛡️ Liver protectants: SAMe, silymarin (milk thistle), ursodiol
• 🦠 Antibiotics if infection is suspected
• 🧬 Treat toxin exposure, stop offending medications

6.2 Chronic Hepatitis

• 💊 Anti-inflammatory therapy (e.g. prednisone, cyclosporine)
• ⚠️ Copper-reducing drugs (e.g. zinc, D-penicillamine)
• 🧴 SAMe, silymarin, vitamin E
• 🥩 Adjusted diets: low copper, moderate protein, palatable

6.3 Dietary Support

• 🥘 Tasty, high-calorie diets—dogs with liver disease often have reduced appetite
• 🥬 Increased fiber for detoxification support
• 🥩 Protein restriction only if evidence of protein intolerance (e.g. hepatic encephalopathy)

7. Prognosis

🔎 Early diagnosis = better outcomes.

• 📈 Acute hepatitis often improves with treatment if caught early
• 🔁 Chronic hepatitis may be managed long-term with therapy
• 🧬 Prognosis varies based on the cause and extent of liver damage

📊 Average survival time with CH is 2–3 years—with proper care. Earlier treatment = longer life. 🧡

8. Ask A Vet: Expert Liver Support

Worried about elevated liver enzymes or managing CH long term? Connect with a licensed vet at Ask A Vet for real-time help choosing meds, adjusting diet, and interpreting test results. 🐶📱

9. Summary Table

10. Final Thoughts

Hepatitis can be silent, sneaky, and slow—but early intervention can make a world of difference. If your dog is high-risk, monitor liver enzymes routinely and act on changes quickly. Supportive care, thoughtful diet, and a partnership with your vet can keep your dog living well for years to come. 🩺🐕

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Need help managing liver disease or interpreting test results? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet app. We’re here to support your dog’s health and happiness. 💙