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My dog died suddenly from jaundice. What could have caused it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed

My 12.5-year-old dog died within 24 hours of having turned yellow (from jaundice). The day before she was eating and was happy. The lab results showed HCT 15.6, HGB 5,4, MCHC 34.6, WBC 22.1 (88%GRANS, 12%L/M), platelets normal, ALT 552, AST 439, Creatinine normal (1.2). There was no vomiting, no fever, no drooling, no agitation, no convulsions and no tenderness in the stomach area. What do you think happened to the dog?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2020

Sounds like she had acute liver failure. I'm so sorry this happened. Unfortunately, liver failure can have any number of possible causes. Without a necropsy (autopsy) with histopathology of the tissues you will probably never know exactly what happened. I'm so sorry for your loss :(

( https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_multi_hepatic_failure_acute )
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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