Dog Symptoms Guide

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Jaundice
Jaundice means a yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes, which are found on the inside of the mouth and lips, the eyelids and the vulva, and of the skin (only visible in severe cases) and the white of the eye. This is caused by a higher than normal level of bilirubin in the blood stream. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of the metabolism of haemoglobin, the red pigment inside red blood cells. The liver is responsible for this breakdown and normally excretes the bilirubin in the bile. Jaundice can be caused by three different types of conditions.

The first type causes an excessive breakdown of red blood cells. This can be caused by several diseases, but is most commonly caused by an auto-immune disease, called AIHA, in which the body’s immune system attacks the red blood cells and destroys them. The haemoglobin is then broken down leading to the increased levels of bilirubin. Certain types of cancer can also cause excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

The second type involves diseases of the liver itself. With several liver conditions bilirubin can leak from the liver tissue into the circulation and thereby causes jaundice. Liver conditions include liver infections ( hepatitis), liver tumours, abscesses, trauma and cirrhosis.

The third type is an obstruction of the bile ducts, which normally deliver the bile to the small intestine from the liver. These ducts can be blocked by cirrhosis, tumours, gall stones and certain intestinal conditions.

Jaundice is not a disease as such, but rather a symptom of an underlying disease. If your dog appears jaundiced, please seek veterinary advice!