Hepatitis in Pets: Liver Inflammation & Damage
The liver is essential for life. When it becomes inflamed, every body system suffers. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes.
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. The liver performs over 500 vital functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, blood clotting, and bile production. When liver cells are damaged by infection, toxins, or immune-mediated disease, these functions fail and the entire body is affected.
Key Points
- Hepatitis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-standing)
- Infectious canine hepatitis (CAV-1) is prevented by routine vaccination
- Chronic hepatitis in dogs is often immune-mediated and progressive
- Cats develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) when they stop eating
- Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests are the first clue
- Treatment depends on cause but may include immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and supportive care
Causes of Hepatitis
Infectious causes include canine adenovirus type 1 (infectious canine hepatitis), leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis. Immune-mediated chronic hepatitis is common in certain breeds — Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels, Bedlington Terriers, and Westies. Toxin-induced hepatitis results from xylitol, aflatoxins (moldy food), certain medications, and blue-green algae. Copper accumulation causes hepatitis in Bedlington Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. Hepatic lipidosis in cats is triggered by anorexia from any cause.
Clinical Signs
Early hepatitis may show only mild lethargy and decreased appetite. As the disease progresses, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss develop. Jaundice (yellowing of gums, eyes, and skin) indicates advanced disease. Some pets develop fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) from low albumin. Neurological signs — confusion, seizures, or head pressing — occur when the liver cannot detoxify blood (hepatic encephalopathy). Excessive thirst and urination reflect the liver's role in metabolism.
Diagnosis
Blood tests show elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT — enzymes released when liver cells are damaged. Elevated bilirubin causes jaundice. Low albumin and blood urea nitrogen reflect impaired synthesis. Bile acids testing assesses liver function. Abdominal ultrasound evaluates liver size, texture, and blood flow. A liver biopsy — obtained via needle or surgery — identifies the specific type of hepatitis and guides treatment. Coagulation tests are essential before biopsy since the liver produces clotting factors.
Treatment & Management
Acute infectious hepatitis requires IV fluids, antiemetics, and antibiotics. Supportive care includes nutritional support and vitamin K. Chronic immune-mediated hepatitis is treated with prednisone, azathioprine, or cyclosporine. Copper accumulation requires chelation therapy with penicillamine and zinc supplementation. Hepatic lipidosis in cats needs aggressive tube feeding to reverse the metabolic crisis. Ursodiol and SAMe support liver regeneration. Prognosis varies widely depending on cause and stage at diagnosis.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your pet has yellow gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice)
- There's vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
- Your pet's abdomen appears swollen with fluid
- Neurological signs like confusion or seizures occur
- Blood tests show elevated liver enzymes
How RVC Can Help
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.