Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevated liver values on bloodwork, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or vague signs like poor appetite and vomiting can all point to liver disease. Because the liver performs hundreds of vital functions, an accurate diagnosis matters. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified internists use advanced imaging and minimally invasive laparoscopic liver biopsies to identify the cause of liver disease and guide targeted treatment.
Types and Causes of Liver Disease in Pets
Liver disease is a broad term that includes many different conditions. Some of the most common we evaluate include:
- Chronic hepatitis, including copper-associated hepatitis in breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Bedlington Terriers
- Vacuolar hepatopathy related to Cushing’s disease or steroid use
- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in cats that stop eating
- Cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis, inflammation of the bile ducts that is common in cats
- Gallbladder disease, including gallbladder mucoceles and gallstones
- Portosystemic shunts, abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver
- Liver tumors, infections, and toxin- or medication-related injury
Signs of Liver Disease
Early liver disease often has no obvious symptoms and is discovered on routine bloodwork. As disease progresses, you may notice:
- Decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Weight loss and lethargy
- Increased thirst and urination
- Yellow gums, skin, or eyes (jaundice)
- A swollen belly from fluid accumulation
- Disorientation, head pressing, or seizures
Advanced Diagnostics
Our internal medicine team builds on testing from your family veterinarian with bile acid testing, clotting profiles, and abdominal ultrasound to evaluate liver size, texture, blood flow, the gallbladder, and nearby organs. Because bloodwork and imaging rarely reveal the exact cause, a liver biopsy is often the key to diagnosis.
At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, we offer laparoscopic liver biopsies, a minimally invasive procedure using two to three small incisions and a camera. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopy typically means less pain, smaller incisions, minimal bleeding, and a shorter recovery while still allowing high-quality samples for histopathology, culture, and copper analysis.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis and may include:
- Liver-supportive medications and antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy for chronic hepatitis
- Copper-chelating drugs and copper-restricted diets
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections of the liver or bile ducts
- Nutritional support, including feeding tubes for cats with hepatic lipidosis
- Surgical treatment of gallbladder disease, shunts, or liver tumors by our surgical team, as outlined on our abdominal surgical conditions page
Diet plays a major role in liver health. See our nutrition page for more information.
Monitoring and Long-Term Care
Many liver diseases are manageable with consistent treatment and monitoring. We schedule periodic bloodwork and imaging and work closely with your family veterinarian. Pets with concurrent gastrointestinal signs may also be evaluated for inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes. Explore all conditions we treat, review payment options, or read what to expect at your visit.
Liver Disease FAQs
What does it mean if my pet has elevated liver enzymes?
Elevated liver enzymes indicate stress or damage to liver cells, but they do not identify the cause. Further testing such as bile acids, ultrasound, and biopsy may be recommended.
Why does my pet need a liver biopsy?
A biopsy is often the only way to determine the exact type of liver disease, which allows our specialists to choose the most effective treatment.
Is a laparoscopic liver biopsy safer than open surgery?
Laparoscopy uses small incisions and typically results in less pain, less bleeding, and faster recovery than an open procedure.
Can liver disease be reversed?
The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate. Many conditions can be controlled or improved with early, targeted treatment.
What is hepatic lipidosis in cats?
Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, can develop when a cat stops eating for several days. It is serious but often treatable with aggressive nutritional support.
Are certain breeds prone to liver disease?
Yes. Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Bedlington Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers are among the breeds with higher risk of chronic hepatitis.
Does diet matter for pets with liver disease?
Yes. Specialized diets can reduce the workload on the liver and limit copper intake when needed.
Expert Care for Your Pet’s Liver Health
If your pet has abnormal liver values or signs of liver disease, our specialists can help. Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule a consultation in Scottsdale, AZ .