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My dog's GI tract is failing, has small liver. Is he going to die?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

My dogs gi tract was beginning to shut down completely he was severely dehydrated took him to get Tuesday n they kept him. Vet done xrays to see wats going on he has a small liver and the issue with gi tract. What could cause thus is my dog going to die?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2017

I am sorry to hear that Chase is so ill. I am not sure what diagnosis the vet gave Chase at this time. It sounds like he has a small liver, but this can be subjective and may or may not indicate a serious underlying illness. Typically when we see a small liver on an x-ray, we recommend doing an ultrasound and potentially fine needle aspirate of the liver if things look suspicious. However, most of the time, a small liver is an incidental finding. I am also unsure what is going on with his GI tract specifically. For instance, was there any foreign material seen in there, an abnormal gas pattern (that would suggest a foreign body), or any masses seen, etc. More information is needed to be able to help answer some of your questions. However we would not be able to tell you your pets prognosis (chances of survival) without first examining your pet. Fir that, I would recommend asking the vet that examined Chase if they can give you some kind of prognosis for him. And hopefully this will help you determine what you would like to do next towards getting him treated appropriately. I wish you all the best moving forward with Chase's care.

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