Bile is an essential part of a dog’s nutrition and overall health. It plays an exceptional role in digestion, particularly in the breakdown of fats in dogs. Bile also aids in the liver's waste product removal. However, when something gets in the way of this process, it can be dangerous. 

Bile accumulates in the liver and bloodstream when it cannot flow normally. It’s a condition called cholestasis. Cholestasis is a cholestatic disease in dogs and can cause a number of health issues for your best friend.

But why should you care about this? Essentially, the liver is the organ responsible for a number of bodily functions, including detoxification, digestion, metabolism, blood clotting, and vitamin storage.

When something puts extra stress on the liver, such as the accumulation of bile, it can trigger a series of complications. Some cases of cholestasis in dogs are mild, while other cases can lead to other health issues.

In this blog, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about canine cholestasis. This includes all the ins and outs of the causes, signs, and treatments.

What Are the Types of Cholestasis in Dogs?

Not all cases of cholestasis in dogs are the same. There are primarily two types: intrahepatic and extrahepatic. 

Intrahepatic Cholestasis 

The intrahepatic type of cholestasis occurs when something inside the liver is preventing bile from flowing normally. These causes include those that directly affect liver tissue and the small bile ducts in the liver. Common causes include:

• Cholangitis. Cholangitis is one of the many infections that can cause cholestasis in dogs. This is the inflammation of the bile ducts and liver tissue, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Here, the bile ducts swell and create a narrow path for bile to exit the liver. 

• Chronic Hepatitis. A condition characterized by the long-term inflammation of the liver. Chronic hepatitis slowly damages the cells of the liver and bile ducts. Over time, this can progress to scarring and blockages.

• Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis. Liver tissue scarring is also another cause of cholestasis in dogs. When it spreads throughout, it turns into cirrhosis. The thick scar tissue can disrupt the structure of the liver and bile ducts.

• Liver Tumors. Tumors can grow inside the liver. These growths can press on the bile ducts or may cause obstructions within them. As a result, bile flow is obstructed. 

• Toxin Ingestion. Toxic substances for dogs, such as alcohol and xylitol, can also result in severe liver disease in dogs.

• Other Causes. Other issues, such as copper hepatopathy, leptospirosis, and trauma to the liver, can also be the cause of cholestasis in dogs. 

Extrahepatic Cholestasis

On the other hand, extrahepatic cholestasis happens when there’s a blockage of the bile ducts located outside of the liver. This prevents bile from getting to the intestines. The usual reasons are:

• Choledocholithiasis. A condition in which gallstones form in the bile duct. This can obstruct bile flow from the liver and gallbladder to the intestines.

• Gallbladder Mucocele. This condition happens when thick mucus accumulates inside the gallbladder. As a result, there will be swelling and blockage. This buildup prevents bile from leaving and can stretch the gallbladder until it obstructs the passageway entirely. 

• Gallstones and Foreign Bodies. Gallstones are hard mineral deposits that form in the gallbladder and may lodge in the bile ducts, blocking bile flow. 

• Pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas can also result in swelling of the bile duct, which narrows the passageway. 

• Tumors Near the Bile Ducts. Tumors located on the pancreas, within the bile ducts, and other nearby areas can also apply pressure on the bile ducts themselves. This restricts bile flow. 

• Other Causes. Other factors, such as trauma, parasites, and infection, can also affect nearby organs, which will affect the bile ducts.

What Are the Symptoms of Cholestasis in Dogs?

When your dog’s bile flow is restricted, it builds up quickly in the liver and bloodstream. Ultimately, it results in:

• Jaundice. Jaundice is one of the most visible signs of cholestasis in dogs, and it happens when the bilirubin builds up in the blood. It causes a yellowish tint in the gums, eyes, and skin of affected dogs. 

• Pale Stools. The color of the stool will also be affected. This can make the stool turn pale or dull. It's a strong indicator that the bile has not reached the intestines. 

• Dark Urine. Excess bile pigments can also pass into the urine, creating a darker color. It can be one of the earliest signs that pet owners discover. 

• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss. Dogs with cholestasis will lose interest in eating due to nausea or the general feeling of discomfort. In the long term, this can lead to weight loss.

• Vomiting and Nausea. Bile backup and liver dysfunction often make dogs feel nauseated, which leads to vomiting. In some cases, dogs may also vomit up bile, which can look yellow-green. Too much vomiting can lead to dehydration. 

• Lethargy and Weakness. Dogs with cholestasis may seem unusually tired and lethargic. They might not want to play or move at all from their resting positions. 

• Abdominal Pain and Discomfort. Affected dogs can show signs of belly pain. They can be seen constantly hiding, retreating, isolating, and whining.