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Category: Canine
Jaundice, icterus, hyperbilirubinemia
Jaundice
AffectedAnimals:
Any dog can develop jaundice. It is very unusual, however, to see jaundice in young puppies.
Overview:
Dogs with jaundice have a yellow discoloration of body tissues such as the eyes, gums, and skin. The condition results from increased levels of bilirubin in the body, which is one of the by-products of heme, a red blood cell protein. Jaundice generally is not a disease; rather it is a symptom of a number of canine illnesses.
The causes of jaundice are classified as pre-hepatic, hepatic, or post-hepatic in origin. Pre-hepatic jaundice occurs when red blood cell breakdown, or hemolysis, produces bilirubin faster than the liver can metabolize it. Hepatic jaundice results from primary and secondary diseases within the liver that interfere with the liver cells' ability to metabolize bilirubin or excrete it normally into the biliary tract. Post-hepatic jaundice can result from obstruction to the flow of bilirubin-containing bile within the bile duct or from injury that causes leakage from the gallbladder or bile duct.
Once identified on physical examination, jaundice needs to be assessed further to determine the type and cause. Bloodwork is useful for measuring the bilirubin level and identifying concurrent abnormalities. It will also help determine if anemia is a factor in the affected dog's jaundice. If a pet is not anemic, then the jaundice is likely to be due to liver disease or to post-hepatic biliary abnormalities. Some patients may have jaundice that has multiple causes.
The outlook for a jaundiced dog depends on the cause of the jaundice. In general, jaundice is a significant and serious sign, and the prognosis for most disorders causing it is guarded, or uncertain. However, many diseases associated with jaundice can be managed successfully with specific, supportive therapy based on timely and accurate diagnostic test results.
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