What are the common symptoms of hepatic amyloidosis in dogs and cats?

Common symptoms include lethargy, reduced appetite, repeated vomiting, jaundice, and changes in urine output. If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet promptly to determine the cause.

How does a vet diagnose hepatic amyloidosis?

Vets typically begin with blood biochemistry and imaging (ultrasound or X-ray). If needed, cytology or a tissue biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis; a histopathology report is usually required for a definitive diagnosis.

What observations or records can I bring to the clinic?

Track your pet's alertness, food intake, water consumption, and elimination frequency, and record videos of vomiting or abnormal behavior. All of these records help your vet understand the disease progression and monitor treatment response.

What documents or samples should I prepare before the appointment?

Bring any recent blood test results or imaging reports, a list of current medications, a symptom timeline, and videos of any abnormal behavior. These help your vet plan the necessary tests more efficiently.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Hepatic Amyloidosis in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Blood Tests & Care Guide [2025]

Hepatic amyloidosis is a disease caused by abnormal protein deposits in the liver, which can lead to liver failure. Diagnosis requires a liver biopsy, and treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and supportive care.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Sudden collapse or prolonged loss of consciousness
•Persistent inability to drink water or signs of severe dehydration
•Repeated vomiting with blood or black stools

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Lethargy with noticeably reduced activity level
•Persistent loss of appetite or refusal to eat with no improvement
•Obvious yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Hepatic amyloidosis in dogs and cats often presents with non-specific systemic symptoms; changes related to impaired liver function may indicate the need for further evaluation.

Lethargy or a noticeable decrease in activity
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Repeated vomiting or persistent nausea
Changes in water intake accompanied by altered urination frequency
Intermittent fever or fluctuating body temperature
Jaundice (yellowing) of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
⚠️ Persistent inability to drink and signs of severe dehydration
⚠️ Repeated vomiting with blood present or black/tarry stools

02How to assess at home? Key observations and when to seek emergency care

Key things to observe and record at home before your vet visit, to help your veterinarian quickly assess the progression of the condition.

Note the onset and trend of changes in alertness and activity level
Keep a detailed record of daily food intake and meal frequency
Record the number of vomiting episodes, timing, and a brief description of the vomit
Log any noticeable changes in daily water intake and urine output
Take regular temperature readings at home and note the time of each measurement
Use your phone to record videos of vomiting, excessive sleepiness, or other abnormal behaviors
Arrange a vet appointment as soon as possible and bring all of the above records

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common diagnostic procedures

Your vet will combine a physical examination with various tests to assess whether the condition is liver-related and gauge its severity, arranging specialist examinations or biopsies if necessary.

Physical examination

palpation of the abdominal liver area and overall assessment

Blood test

complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate for infection and anaemia

Biochemistry panel

liver enzymes, bilirubin, and metabolic markers

Abdominal imaging

X-ray or ultrasound to evaluate the liver and abdominal cavity

Cytology

fine-needle aspirate of liver tissue or ascitic fluid for initial assessment

Tissue biopsy

histopathology to confirm the diagnosis and extent of disease

Referral to a specialist hospital with biopsy or histopathology capabilities may be recommended if needed

04How is hepatic amyloidosis treated and managed? Medications, dietary changes & care guide

Treatment is tailored to the diagnostic findings and underlying cause. Regular monitoring of blood biochemistry and clinical symptoms is required, along with attentive supportive home care.

Follow your vet's recommendations for medication or supportive therapy and monitor for response
A liver-supportive prescription diet or dietary modification may be recommended
Schedule regular follow-up appointments with repeat blood biochemistry tests to monitor liver function
Key home care priorities include ensuring adequate rest and preventing dehydration
Imaging or pathology tests may be used to evaluate treatment response and disease progression
If the condition worsens or new symptoms appear, arrange a specialist consultation promptly

05What to prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet diagnose quickly

Write down the onset date, how symptoms have evolved, and any key events

Prepare a log of daily food intake and water consumption

Record the frequency and nature of vomiting, urination, and bowel movements

Bring any recent blood test results or imaging reports if available

List all current medications and supplements your pet is taking

Record videos of abnormal behavior or vomiting episodes; bring a vomit sample if possible

Call ahead to book the appointment and inform the clinic about potential tests required

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.