Steroid Hepatopathy

Steroid hepatopathy is a pattern of change in the liver that can develop when a dog has been exposed to high levels of corticosteroid hormones over time. These hormones may come from medication given for another condition, or they may be produced in excess by the body itself. The liver responds to this sustained exposure by accumulating glycogen—a storage form of energy—within its cells, which alters how the organ works and appears on testing. Owners often arrive at this question after blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, sometimes during routine screening or investigation of another concern. The dog may seem well, or there may be subtle changes in thirst, appetite, weight distribution, or energy that have developed gradually. In some cases, the picture includes an enlarged abdomen or changes in coat quality. This page explores what signs may appear, what is happening at a cellular and hormonal level, how the pattern is investigated through blood work and imaging, and what approaches exist depending on the underlying cause and the degree of change. The aim is to help you understand the condition and the thinking behind different paths forward.