| Diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, and hyperthyroidism can cause changes in the liver. |
| Hepatic lipidosis develops secondary to diabetes mellitus because of increased lipid metabolism and mobilization. Hepatomegaly and increased liver enzymes are noted. Dogs with diabetes mellitus rarely have liver dysfunction although AP and, to a lesser degree, ALT may be increased. Cats have increased ALT, hyperbilirubinemia, and normal or mildly increased AP. Liver function tests may be abnormal. Hepatic lipidosis may or may not resolve with insulin replacement. Diabetic animals
are also at increased risk for pancreatitis, extrahepatic bacterial infections, or hepatocutaneous syndrome. |
| In dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, changes in the liver are similar to those seen in glucocorticoid toxicity and resolve with appropriate treatment of hyperadrenocorticism. |
| In cats with hyperthyroidism, increased AP and ALT and possibly hyperbilirubinemia are seen. Liver function is usually normal. Possible causes for the changes noted in the liver include toxic effects of excessive thyroid hormone, malnutrition, or if cardiac thyroid toxicosis is present, hypoxia due to congestive heart failure. Liver enzymes return to normal with treatment; however, treatment with methimazole can lead to liver toxicity. |
