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Treatment For Dog Liver Disease Article

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Chronic Liver Disease In Dogs

from: Kyle Besser

The liver is one of a dog's major organs. The liver has many vital functions, such as the production of most blood proteins including those involved in blood clotting, the conversion of waste products of protein processing into a substance that can be removed from the body by the kidneys, the processing and storage of carbohydrates and fats, the purification of the blood and the production of bile to aid the process of digestion.

The liver may suffer from a sudden, acute disorder such as canine leptospirosis or infectious canine hepatitis. Chronic, long lasting dog liver disease is perhaps more common.

Chronic dog liver disease may be caused by anatomical abnormalities present at birth. Inherent dog liver disease is commonly more genetically inherent in certain breeds such as American and English Cocker Spaniels and West Highland Terriers.

Cancer is another cause of chronic dog liver disease, most commonly due to its spread from tumors elsewhere in the body. Long-term inflammation, immune system disorders or disorders of the bile duct which empties bile from the liver into the small intestine are other causes. Chronic dog liver disease is most common in older dogs, although anatomical abnormalities may cause symptoms in puppies who are just a few months old.

Common causes of liver disease in dogs include:

*Exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals such as insecticides, lead, phosphorus and iron.

*Infections such as chronic ear and skin infections and other infections elsewhere in the body.

*Hepatitis

*Common dental infections

*Inbreeding

*Prolonged use of some drugs such as cortisone, steroids, anti-convulsants, parasite control drugs and some antibiotics.

By the time symptoms of chronic dog liver disease appear, 80% of the liver tissue may have stopped working properly. Sadly, in most cases, the outlook for a dog affected with chronic dog liver disease is very poor. If your dog starts to show any of the symptoms of dog liver disease, take him to be examined by your vet. Common symptoms of liver disease in dogs include:

*Jaundice - eyes, gums and skin turn a yellow color.

*Vomiting, which may or may not be accompanied by blood.

*Diarreah, which may or may not be accompanied by blood.

*Urinary changes such as frequent urination and increased thirst. Urine may turn orange.

*Stools may be pale grey, orange or even yellow in color.

*Depression or lethargy.

*Other behavioural changes such as aimless pacing .and circling.

*Swollen belly.

Cases of suspected chronic dog liver disease are often very frustrating to investigate. This is partly because the symptoms of dog liver disease are vague, but also because the liver may be affected by or involved in other conditions. There is also no simple test to confirm beyond doubt the existence of chronic dog liver disease or to identify its causes.

Your vet will examine your dog and may perform blood and urine tests, analysis of any buildup of fluid in your dog's abdomen, X-rays and ultrasound investigations, and a biopsy. Exploratory surgery to take a direct look at the liver may also be appropriate.

There is no cure for chronic dog liver disease, so the purpose of treatment for chronic dog liver disease is to slow down its progression and to control associated symptoms of dog liver disease. Treatment for chronic dog liver disease may involve dietary management.

Dietary management is the cornerstone of treatment for dog liver disease. The purpose of managing dog food for liver disease is to reduce the buildup of the waste products of protein processing, which cause many symptoms of dog liver disease. A dog food for liver disease diet regime should include the following

*Easily digested carbohydrates, such as rice, to provide energy.

*High-quality and easily digested sources of protein, such as eggs.

*Four to six small daily meals.

*Sufficient food to prevent weight loss. Some dogs may need force-feeding.

*Fresh distilled water is preferable to tap water.

*Foods to be avoided to keep your dog's liver healthy include sugar, chocolate, fried or grilled meat and bones, onion, red and green peppers and tomatoes.