Cirrhosis in Dogs

Cirrhosis describes a state in which the liver has undergone widespread scarring, replacing normal tissue with fibrous bands and nodules that cannot carry out the organ's usual work. This scarring develops over time, often quietly, and by the point it becomes cirrhosis the damage is generally irreversible. The liver may still function for a period, but its reserve is reduced. Owners often arrive at this possibility after noticing signs that can seem unconnected at first—weight loss, a swollen abdomen, episodes of confusion or odd behaviour, or jaundice giving a yellow tint to the gums or skin. Sometimes the concern arises from blood test changes picked up during investigation of something else. The condition tends to be suspected in middle-aged to older dogs, though younger animals can be affected depending on the underlying cause. This page explores the patterns an owner may observe, what is happening inside the liver as scarring progresses, how cirrhosis is investigated and distinguished from other liver conditions, and the approaches available to support dogs living with it.