There are many things that can cause an enlarged liver. In an older dog a big concern is cancer. Other causes include infectious, toxin, primary liver failure, secondary to other conditions like right sided heart failure, and inflammatory disease. Bloodwork should be run to assess the liver enzymes and screen for disease in other organs. Bile acids should be run to assess the function of the liver. An ultrasound should be performed to assess the liver, gallbladder and other abdominal organs. This will help screen for cancer. At this time an ultrasound guided biopsy can be done. Exploratory surgery or laparoscopic biopsies may need to be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Contact your veterinarian to discuss your dog's case, what further diagnostic tests are needed, and plan treatment that can be started to protect and support the liver.
Contact your veterinarian to discuss your dog's case, what further diagnostic tests are needed, and plan treatment that can be started to protect and support the liver.