Sadly, once a dog is showing signs of liver disease, the illness has often progressed to the point of no return. Again, since these symptoms usually show up once liver disease has settled in, should you notice your dog exhibiting any of these problems, an immediate trip to your veterinarian is advised. There are several ways in which a dog can develop liver disease. Hepatitis is a chronic disease, caused by a viral infection and resulting in an inflamed liver. There is also a condition called hepatic necrosis that attacks the liver and leads to the deterioration of liver cells and tissues.
Liver disease can also be a side effect of another health problem.
Over-exposure to any kind of toxin such as pesticides and cleaning products can damage the liver, as can eating a bad diet. Unfortunately, countless dogs fall into any of these categories. I have a Border Collie, and my friend has Rat Terriers. While any dog could potentially be exposed to toxins or fed a bad diet, certain types are more likely to develop liver problems than others. If your dog has been taking medications for an extended period, it might be wise to check with your veterinarian to see if any other alternatives exist, or if a milder, more liver-friendly form of the drug is available.