Identification

• A dog's liver is responsible for bodily functions such as bile production to aid in digestion, removal of waste from the body and detoxification of the blood in the body. According to Dogpro.com, canine liver disease is among the top five leading causes of death among dogs.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms associated with liver diseases in dogs may include seizures, jaundice (a yellowing of the whites of the dog's eyes), vomiting, diarrhea and an intolerance to anesthesia. Dogs that have liver problems may also have a poor appetite, lose weight, and have an increase in drinking water and an increased frequency of urination. A dog with liver problems may also have soft, white-colored feces and abdominal distention. If your dog has symptoms of liver problems, it is important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
  
  

Causes

• Common causes may include bacterial infections, parasites, cancer, certain medications, ingesting toxic materials, pre-existing health problems and a breed-specific genetic predisposition to liver disease.
  
  

Diagnosis

• In order to determine if your dog has liver problems, a veterinarian will perform a physical examination. During this examination, the veterinarian will check for pale mucous membranes, anemia and spleen enlargement. Diagnostic tests, such as a CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, blood coagulation tests and a bile acid test, may be performed. X-rays as well as an abdominal ultrasound may be performed to determine the size of the liver and to identify any tumors that may be present.
  
  

Biopsy

• Treatment of liver problems in dogs depends largely on the type of disease or disorder. According to Dogpro.com, the liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself. This gives the dog a good chance of recovery if the liver problem is isolated. A biopsy of the dog's liver may be done to obtain a diagnosis. Before performing a biopsy of a dog's liver, the veterinarian will check the coagulation factors with a blood test. This will ensure that the dog will not experience too much bleeding during the procedure. Dogs that have liver biopsies must be monitored closely for several hours following the procedure for symptoms of hemorrhage.