It aids in blood clotting and takes part in your dog's immune system. The liver also removes toxins from your dog's body and helps metabolize medications. In addition, the liver is special in the way that it can repair itself and regrow after injury or disease.
Compensatory hypertrophy and hyperplasia (“regeneration”) were evident within 1 day, reached a maximum in 3 days, and were almost complete by 6 days.
Dogs with liver disease should eat diets high in methionine, cysteine, taurine, selenium, Omega-3 and zinc. A good liver diet should consist of: Chicken and turkey meat (vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorus) Eggs (methionine, B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium and iron, as well as high biological value protein)
Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulceration, diarrhea, seizures or other neurologic problems, fever, blood clotting problems, jaundice (a yellow tinge noticeable in the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes), fluid collection in the abdomen, excessive urination and ...
Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function.
Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. It can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure.
Livers are regenerative, so if liver disease is caught early enough, dogs can recover and live a happy, healthy life. But in severe cases, your dog may require more intensive treatment and in extreme cases, liver disease may even be too advanced to be treated.
Fortunately, liver disease can be effectively managed and progression limited. Many dogs go on to live happily, years after their diagnosis. Proper nutrition and continuous dialogue with your veterinarian are key to managing your dog's liver disorder.
First Stage – Abnormal inflammation, can typically be treated with medicine or diet changes. Second Stage – Fibrosis, the liver begins to harden, but can still be treated and typically reversed. Third Stage – Cirrhosis, permanent liver scarring. Final Stage – Liver failure, the liver is unable to function properly.
While milk thistle is most commonly used for treating liver disease, other nutrients such as choline, carnitine, arginine, Boswellia, burdock, dandelion root, licorice, nettle, Oregon grape, red clover, turmeric, yellow dock, and maitake mushrooms may also be incorporated into the treatment regimen.
Pets with hepatic disease need carefully regulated portions of high quality and highly digestible carbohydrates. White rice, potatoes, and vegetables are good source of simple and complex carbohydrates for pets with liver diseases. Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and absorbed.
Liver disease is a non-painful condition, however dogs and cats can be nauseous, neurological or accumulate fluid in the abdomen, all of which require medication to control.
Liver disease can have a number of different causes such as: Viral or bacterial infection. Cancer of the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) Cysts or gallstones, which can obstruct the bile duct.
Early and middle-stage liver disease in dogs can be managed with the right treatments, and your dog may still enjoy a good quality of life. When the disease has progressed to the third stage, and your dog's symptoms are no longer manageable, your veterinarian will likely suggest relieving suffering with euthanasia.
Good proteins to feed for liver disease are eggs for the most bioavailable protein and choline content, poultry and a little fish such as sardines, salmon and cod. Other proteins to include would be lean meats such as venison, ostrich and kangaroo.
“Things like organ meats and fish contain higher levels of certain compounds (purines, some of the amino acids) that can be particularly harmful for dogs with bad liver disease.
Abnormal liver enzyme levels can usually be detected in blood tests. In isolated cases it may be possible to surgical remove then affected lobe, however this is difficult. The prognosis in most cases is poor, deterioration is rapid once clinical signs develop and death usually results within 3-4 months.
Soluble fibre helps remove ammonia from the system, so the liver doesn't have to process it. Oats, Barley & Sweet Potatoes are all particularly high in soluble fibre so it might be worth feeding foods which rely heavily on these ingredients.
Although your dog can produce vitamin C in their liver, supplementation may be beneficial in some cases. However, you should not make bananas a part of your dog's main diet because of their high sugar content.
Avoid foods high in copper such as most organ meats, pork, lamb, salmon and duck. Feed foods lower in copper such as beef, eggs, chicken, turkey and whitefish. Chicken and turkey livers are relatively low in copper and can be fed in moderate amounts.
If you have a dog with acute liver injury, it might have a sky-high ALT, but if you can support the dog through that initial injury, then the disease could be reversible, and the liver can get back to normal.
Any cookies, cakes or other treats containing grapes or raisins should be kept well away from dogs. Grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage or even kidney failure in dogs.