Xylitol and paracetamol are commonly encountered substances which can cause liver toxicity in dogs. Some blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and mushrooms produce compounds that damage the liver. Acute ingestion of some plants, particularly cycads, can cause liver failure in dogs.
Causes of Liver Failure in Dogs
Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat.
The most common causes of inflammatory liver disease in dogs include non-specific reactive hepatitis, chronic hepatitis (CH) and acute hepatitis (AH). Other common causes of hepatic disease in dogs include neoplasia, vascular anomalies (ie. portosystemic shunts) and biliary tract disorders.
Dogs with liver disease should avoid foods high in copper or salt, such as lamb, duck, salmon, pork, and liver meats.
Studies have shown that some herbs and nutritional supplements are adulterated with steroids or antibiotics. Herbs that may be toxic to the liver include comfrey, chaparral, germander, kava, valerian, mistletoe and traditional Chinese herbs.
French fries, wafers, burgers, and pizzas do no good to your liver. These food items are high in saturated fat or trans-fat content and are difficult to digest. In other words, your liver needs to work hard to process these food items.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Summary. The vitamin A content of the liver and kidneys of dogs fed fresh carrots is greater than that found in dogs on a meat and boiled rice diet. The level of the vitamin A concentration in the liver and kidneys is approximately 20 vitamin A animal units.
Vomiting, poor appetite, and weight loss are often the first signs of chronic liver failure. A dog with these symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian before acute liver failure develops. Severe symptoms should be treated as an emergency.
If jaundice is not present, but you notice multiple early-stage symptoms, such as changes in behavior and vomiting, it's a good idea to take them to a veterinarian, too, as liver disease can be reversed entirely if caught early enough.
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.
Appropriate options include: Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, goat cheese, and ricotta cheese. High-quality proteins such as chicken and turkey without the bones, fish, and eggs.
Often, dogs suffering from liver disease do extremely well on a low-protein, high-fat diet. Including as many sources of Omega 3 fats such as fish oil and flaxseed oil is a wonderful way to give your dog the healthy fats his body needs and will be able to effectively process.
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.
“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.
The most common cause of liver disease is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ('fatty liver'). Cirrhosis is the end-result of many liver conditions. It involves severe scarring of the liver (with liver nodule formation). Cirrhosis is associated with a progressive decline in liver function resulting in liver failure.
Yogurt is one of the best natural sources of probiotics which, scientists believe, may lower fat levels in the liver, reduce liver damage, and regulate fats in the blood.
Viruses including hepatitis A, B, and E, the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus: They lead to liver damage or cirrhosis. Reactions to certain prescription and herbal medications: Some kill cells in your liver. Others damage the duct system that moves bile through it.
While dogs don't actually need large amounts of fruits and vegetables to live healthy lives, certain ones do make suitable treats on occasion and can even provide health benefits. Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. It is safe for dogs to eat, raw or cooked, as long as no seasonings are added.