By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Owners usually notice jaundice in dogs when they lift a lip or look into the eyes and see yellow where there should be pink or white. It can also show on the belly skin or inside the ear flaps. Jaundice (icterus) is a sign, not a disease, and it means bilirubin is building up in the blood. In dogs, some of the causes are emergencies that can become life threatening within a day or two, so jaundice always deserves prompt attention.
Key takeaways
- Jaundice means bilirubin is building up because of red blood cell destruction, liver disease, or blocked bile flow.
- Important causes in dogs include immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), leptospirosis, toxins, liver disease and gallbladder problems.
- Some toxins that cause jaundice in Australian dogs include xylitol, sago palm (cycads), blue-green algae and death cap mushrooms.
- Jaundice warrants a same-day vet visit, and immediate emergency care if your dog is weak or pale.
- Related: liver disease in dogs, leptospirosis in dogs.
The three main pathways
Red blood cell destruction (pre-hepatic). The body breaks down red cells too quickly. IMHA, where the immune system attacks red blood cells, is a classic example. Other causes include onion or garlic poisoning, some snake envenomations, zinc ingestion (old coins, some hardware) and blood parasites. Dogs are often pale as well as yellow.
Liver disease (hepatic). Inflammation, infection, toxins or cancer damage the liver so it cannot process bilirubin. Examples include leptospirosis, chronic hepatitis, copper storage disease in breeds such as Bedlington Terriers, Labradors and Dobermanns, and liver tumours. Toxins such as xylitol, cycad seeds and blue-green algae can cause sudden severe liver failure.
Blocked bile flow (post-hepatic). Bile cannot reach the intestine. Causes include pancreatitis compressing the bile duct, gallbladder mucocele (thick, jelly-like bile, more common in Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Terriers and Cocker Spaniels), gallstones and tumours. A ruptured gallbladder is a surgical emergency.
Signs to look for
- Yellow gums, eye whites, ear flaps or belly skin
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Dark orange or brown urine
- Pale, clay-coloured faeces (bile blockage)
- Belly pain or a swollen abdomen
- Pale gums and fast breathing (often with anaemia)
- Confusion, head pressing or wandering (with severe liver failure)
When it is an emergency
Go to an emergency vet immediately if your dog is jaundiced and weak, collapsed, breathing fast, has very pale gums, is vomiting repeatedly, or seems confused. Also treat it as urgent if your dog may have eaten xylitol, sago palm seeds, mushrooms, rat bait, or swum in water with a visible algal bloom. Call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 for toxin advice. Any yellowing without these signs still needs a vet appointment the same day.
How vets investigate jaundice
Your vet will start with a full history: toxins, travel, swimming, rats, new medicines, vaccination and diet. Tests commonly include:
- Packed cell volume or full blood count to check for anaemia
- A blood smear and a slide agglutination test, which can suggest IMHA
- Biochemistry, including liver enzymes, bilirubin, bile acids and kidney values
- Clotting tests
- Urinalysis
- Abdominal ultrasound to examine the liver, gallbladder and pancreas
- Leptospirosis testing (PCR and antibody tests)
- Liver aspirates or biopsy when needed
Treatment overview
Treatment targets the cause, with supportive care while tests are underway. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include:
- Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medicine
- Blood transfusion for severe anaemia
- Immunosuppressive medicines for IMHA, alongside medicines to reduce clot risk
- Antibiotics for leptospirosis or bacterial infections
- Liver support medicines and a tailored diet
- Surgery for gallbladder mucocele, rupture or bile duct obstruction
- Specific toxin treatment, if a toxin is involved
Your vet will discuss the plan, the outlook and monitoring for your dog.
Prevention tips
- Keep xylitol products (some peanut butters, sugar-free gum, baked goods) away from dogs.
- Remove sago palms or keep dogs away from fallen seeds.
- Avoid swimming in water with scum or discoloured blooms.
- Discuss leptospirosis vaccination with your vet if you live in a risk area.
- Keep onions, garlic and human medicines out of reach.
- Do routine health checks and bloods for senior dogs and breeds prone to liver disease.
FAQ
Can jaundice in dogs be cured?
That depends on the cause. Many causes, such as some infections, toxin exposures caught early and gallbladder disease, respond well to treatment. Others, like advanced liver cancer, carry a more guarded outlook.
Is jaundice painful for dogs?
The yellow colour is not painful, but conditions that cause it, like pancreatitis or gallbladder disease, often are.
My dog's urine is dark orange but the gums look normal. Should I worry?
Dark urine can be an early sign of high bilirubin or dehydration. Call your vet, especially if your dog is unwell in any way.
Is jaundice contagious to other pets or people?
Jaundice is not contagious, but some causes are. Leptospirosis can spread to people and other dogs, so use gloves and hygiene until your vet rules it out.
Talk with a vet
If you have noticed yellowing in your dog's eyes or gums, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide how quickly to be seen and what information to gather for your clinic. Speak with a Dial A Vet vet.
References
- Garden OA, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019.
- Webster CRL, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019.
- Sykes JE, et al. Updated ACVIM consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Hepatic disease in small animals.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.