Liver disease

The liver rarely announces trouble early. Poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting, increased thirst, a yellow tinge to the gums or eyes, and a swollen belly are late signs, so for seniors the practical safeguard is the routine chemistry panel that AAHA recommends every six to twelve months, which includes the liver enzymes¹². A raised enzyme in an older dog is common and not always liver disease in itself: Cushing's disease and some medications raise them too, so the vet interprets the result alongside the rest of the picture³.

Certain breeds inherit liver conditions, and the breed predisposition literature lists them⁴; if your dog's breed is one of them, ask about screening rather than waiting for signs. Tell the clinic about every supplement and medication your dog takes, since the liver processes all of them.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines: Diagnostic Tests and Recommended Frequencies for Senior Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines: Evaluating the Unhealthy Senior Pet. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. Cushing Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.
4. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats, 3rd edition (Gough A, Thomas A, O'Neill D). Wiley-Blackwell, 2018 (reference textbook). Accessed 2026-09-22.