SYMPTOM
Jaundice
Owners may observe jaundice in their pet.
Various conditions
This symptom can occur in multiple conditions and warrants further assessment.
Haemolytic Anaemia (Prehepatic Jaundice)
Accelerated destruction of red blood cells, most often through immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, floods the bloodstream with bilirubin faster than the liver can process it. Tick-borne infections and certain drug reactions can trigger the same red cell breakdown. Affected dogs often show pale to yellow gums together with weakness, and dark or pigmented urine may accompany the yellow discolouration of skin and eyes.
Hepatocellular Disease
Damage to liver cells themselves, whether from infectious hepatitis (including leptospirosis), chronic hepatitis, or toxin exposure, reduces the liver's capacity to process and excrete bilirubin normally. Dobermanns, Cocker Spaniels, and Bedlington Terriers carry a recognised predisposition to chronic or copper-associated hepatopathies. Appetite loss, vomiting, and lethargy commonly accompany the yellowing.
Bile Duct Obstruction from Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas sits close to the bile duct as it enters the small intestine, and swelling in this region can compress the duct and block bile flow. Backed-up bile then enters the bloodstream, producing jaundice alongside abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, and vomiting. This is one of the more frequent causes of jaundice in middle-aged and older dogs, particularly those carrying extra weight.
Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disease
Thickened, sludge-like bile can accumulate into a gallbladder mucocoele, or stones can form within the biliary tract, both physically obstructing bile outflow. Middle-aged small and toy breeds, including Shetland Sheepdogs and Cocker Spaniels, appear over-represented for mucocoele formation. Rupture of an obstructed gallbladder is a recognised complication of this process.
Hepatic Neoplasia
Primary liver tumours, or infiltration of the liver by conditions such as lymphoma, replace or compress functional liver tissue and impair bile processing and flow. This tends to develop gradually in older dogs and is often accompanied by weight loss, reduced appetite, and an enlarged abdomen alongside the yellowing.
Why timing matters
Early observation
Early recognition allows prompt assessment and intervention if needed.
Later presentation
Persistent or worsening signs may indicate progression requiring attention.
The significance of this symptom depends on its context, duration, and associated findings.
Conditions commonly associated
Leptospirosis
Yellow discolouration of skin and mucous membranes indicates liver involvement in leptospirosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
Inflammatory bowel disease in cats can involve concurrent inflammation of the bile ducts and liver (a pattern known as triaditis), which may obstruct bile flow and lead to jaundice. This hepatic component often develops alongside the intestinal inflammation and can be part of a broader inflammatory process affecting multiple abdominal organs.
Pancreatitis in Cats
Pancreatitis in cats can occur alongside inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, and in some cases this inflammatory process can disrupt bile flow or cause liver dysfunction, leading to jaundice. The proximity of the pancreas to the bile duct and liver means that inflammation in one organ can affect the others.
Lymphoma in Dogs
Lymphoma in dogs can affect the liver either as a primary site or through spread from other lymph nodes, and infiltration of liver tissue by cancerous lymphocytes can disrupt normal bile processing and lead to jaundice. The degree of liver involvement varies depending on the form and extent of the disease.
Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs can occasionally cause jaundice when severe inflammation extends to involve the bile duct or liver, or when concurrent liver inflammation develops as part of a broader abdominal inflammatory response. This hepatobiliary involvement tends to occur in more severe cases and may reflect obstruction or secondary liver dysfunction.
When to explore further
When the symptom is persistent or worsening
When other signs are present alongside
When daily activities or quality of life are affected
When there is uncertainty about the cause
Noting when this symptom occurs, any triggers, and how it changes over time can provide useful information for veterinary discussions.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS