Signs and symptoms

The liver's primary function is breaking down of hemoglobin, which it then secretes into the digestive tract as conjugated bilirubin. Liver function irregularities may result in symptoms that include the yellowing of the skin and eyes; also known as jaundice.

All, some, or only one of these signs may be present in liver diseases:
* Intermittent recurrent abdominal or gastrointestinal upsets/ loss of appetite/ vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
* Progressive depression or lethargy, refusal to play/ walk.
* Swollen belly with a "fluid filled" look. This is also known as ascites and is actually fluid accumulation in the belly due to circulation alterations in the abdomen.
* Pale gray feces. Bile pigments are what gives poop it's characteristic brown colour and if the liver is not processing bile properly, the feces will not get colour.
* Orange urine. The improper processing of bile results in the excretion of bilirubin in the urine in high amounts, thus orange urine.
* Jaundice, also known as icterus. Any pale/ white skin or visible tissue takes on a yellow hue. Again the biliary pigments are accumulating in the body because the liver is not processing them
* Bleeding problems (rate): Many of the proteins required for proper blood clotting are created in the liver. Remove these proteins and blood clotting decreases.
* Hepatic encephalopathy, or severe neurological signs. behavioural changes, seizures, aimless pacing or circling, head pressing
* Abdomen pain. This is due to the stretching of the liver capsule.
* Chronic weight loss or wasting. The liver processes all the building blocks. If it fails to process, the body fails to maintain itself.
* Increased water consumption and urination. Most likely due to dramatic shifts in serum and kidney salt balances

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

• Jaundice (causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• weightloss
• loss of appetite
• pain / discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
• swelling of the breast in men
• pain or disomfort that occurs in the right shoulder blade

Other common liver cancer symptoms that may be experienced are fever, fatigue that is not relieved with rest, and a lump felt on the right side of the stomach.

Symptoms of alcohol-induced liver disease depend on how much/ how long a person has been drinking alcohol. The following are common symptoms of alcohol-induced liver disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. These include:
• enlarged liver
• fever
• jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• increased white blood cell count
• spider-like veins in the skin
• enlarged spleen
• ascites - fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity.
• kidney failure
• confusion

The symptoms of alcohol-induced liver disease may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.