In the event of liver damage, the quality of life and well-being of the companion animal are compromised. Therefore, in the event of any behavioral changes in the pet (loss of appetite, irritability) or physiological changes (more presence of fluids in the abdomen or blood in the urine), it is advisable to consult a veterinary professional.

Chronic hepatitis is one of the most common liver diseases, characterized by inflammation of the liver.

Chronic hepatitis should not be confused with infectious hepatitis caused by canine adenovirus type CAV-1, which is currently greatly reduced thanks to vaccination in dogs. Chronic hepatitis can be caused by different factors such as ingestion of toxins, secondary bacterial disease, or consumption of fatty foods.

Although initially manifested by mild symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, dizziness, vomiting, or mild diarrhea, increased urination, it can escalate to cause impairment of brain function as a result of inadequate removal of toxins in the blood.

The veterinary professional will determine the causes, perform a diagnosis (blood analysis, radiography, ultrasound, etc.), and propose a treatment to alleviate symptoms and restore the animal's health.

• Neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis. A type of hepatitis present in cats that usually occurs alongside inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis.
• Lymphocytic cholangitis. Inflammation of bile ducts within the liver. It is often categorized as an abnormality of the immune system.
• Feline hepatic lipidosis. Also called "fatty liver disease," it is caused by fat infiltration into the liver. It can be accompanied by poor blood clotting. Higher risk in overweight cats.
• Liver tumors and cancer. They can be primary or a result of metastasis.
• Amyloidosis. Accumulation of amyloid protein causing liver rupture and possible bleeding.

In addition to canine hepatitis, one of the most common liver problems in dogs, the following stand out:
• Congenital portosystemic shunt. A birth defect that causes blood to bypass the liver, leading to toxin accumulation.
• Heartworm disease or canine heartworm. In addition to liver damage, it causes severe lung disease and heart failure.
• Liver tumors and cancer. They can be primary or a result of metastasis. Sometimes hepatic neoplasia occurs, a type of cancer.

The first step in the event of inflammation or any other liver problem in cats or dogs is to consider changes in diet. Fats will be reduced, water intake increased, and low-phosphorus and calcium feeds consumed.

The veterinarian is the only professional responsible for creating and customizing a special diet for pets that come to their clinic.

From Pharmadiet Veterinary, we remind you that the veterinarian should be the main point of contact for a problem in the liver of dogs and cats. This expert will establish personalized treatment and care.