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Archive for the 'Cat Liver Problems' Category

Cholangitis, and Hepatic Lipidosis, the two most common types of feline liver diseases, can lead to liver failure if they are not treated in time.

Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts and is associated with the feline leukemia virus as well as feline infectious peritonitis. The conventional treatment regime includes antibiotics, appetite stimulants, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Hepatic lipidosis, or Fatty Liver Disease is abnormal levels of certain fats that accumulate near the liver. It is an idiopathic disease (a disease whose exact cause is not known) that is mostly associated with loss of appetite and obesity. Stress, too is known to be one of the factors that leads to loss of appetite.

Cats usually find it difficult to adjust to a changed environment like shifting to a new home, arrival of a new kitten. They get stressed even when the owner is stressed. There are chances of Fatty Liver Disease occurring due to Cholangitis, inflammation of the pancreas as well as a hepatic tumor.

The exact diagnose a liver disease dogs and cats is through a biopsy. Cats with Fatty Liver Disease are an anesthetic risk and a sample is normally taken with the aid of a fine percutaneous or laparoscopic needle. Hepatic Lipidosis needs to be attended to immediately to avoid liver failure. Severe cases require hospitalization and critical care. Cat owners would rather prefer outpatient care but it requires perseverance and commitment to succeed as there are no specific home remedies that will cure the disease.

The first and foremost item on your agenda should be to modify the diet of your cat. Although the veterinarian is the right person to suggest the change, choose a high protein diet with high calorie intake sourced from non-protein sources. Consult your veterinarian also for the quantity and the frequency of feeding.

Symptoms of liver disease in cats and dogs are often difficult to pin point. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed late. Vomiting can prove to be a big problem if Fatty Liver Disease has progressed to later stages. It may require surgical insertion of stomach tubes for feeding and home care. Make food of gruel consistency and force it down the food through the tube. You may add some fish oil to the food. Start with small quantities every four hours and gradually increase the quantity and decrease the frequency.

Although 36 cc of food is enough to sustain life in the cat, it would require more than that to help in growing and healing. For administered fluids you may initially require the assistance of a veterinarian but if you try hard enough you can learn and do it yourself.

Prognosis of both the conditions is fair but only with persistent care and regular monitoring. Another home care that you may try is to give your undivided attention and love to the cat for a couple of hours every day. If the cat is refusing food due to stress of some sort, it will help in curing anorexia, considered to be the primary cause behind liver failure in cats.

Obesity and improper diet are the most common reasons behind feline liver disease. It has been seen that stress due to environment changes like a home shift, a new pet or a new baby often induces a cat to refuse food. A change in diet and concurrent bacterial infection are two other triggers that may lead to anorexia (loss of appetite) and ultimately to any of the following liver disease.

Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis)

Fatty Liver Disease is the most common liver disease in cats. An obese cat often stops eating properly for some unknown reasons and the body starts sending fats to the liver for conversion into lipoproteins, which are necessary for transporting lipids (essential structural component of cells along with proteins and carbohydrates) in the blood. Ironically, a cat’s liver is not very good in processing fat, which leads to Fatty Liver Disease.

Inflammatory and/or Infectious Disorders

These may relate to inflammation or infection of the bile duct or the biliary system, which may extend to the liver. Infections are mostly caused by pancreatitis, bacteria and parasites.

Toxic Hepatopathy (Damage caused by toxins)

This is induced by drugs, exposure to toxins and deficient supply of blood to the liver.

Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer (cancer that originates in the liver itself) is not common in cats. Feline cancer mostly originates in distant or neighboring organs and metastasizes to affect the liver.

Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)

This is mostly a congenital condition where the blood supply bypasses the liver and is delivered directly to the systemic veins without detoxification.

Most of the symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats are general in nature, such as weight loss, increase in water consumption and urination, diarrhea, vomiting and bad breath. This makes any liver problem or condition more difficult to detect than other diseases. However, jaundice and abdominal pain are two specific symptoms that should be a cause of concern for all cat owners. Signs of jaundice are easy to notice as it causes yellowing of eyes, skin and mucous membranes. In cats, the skin at the base of the ear usually turns yellow. Abdominal pain can be noticed if the cat shows signs of pain on being lifted from the stomach.

Being the largest and an extremely multifunctional organ, the liver has a huge capacity to regenerate its cells. The liver can also function if majority of its mass is affected. This enables the liver to survive the onslaughts of toxins and a poor diet for a long time. A cat’s liver, being poor in processing fat, however, is more vulnerable to an insufficient diet. To avoid accumulation of fat in the liver, a cat’s diet should have high quality proteins in moderate quantities. Calorie intake should mainly be from non-protein sources. The diet should focus on eggs, cottage cheese, rice and liver.

Although pet liver diseases, including liver disease in dogs, evade early detection, once diagnosed they must be treated immediately. Despite the innate properties of the liver to keep on functioning even in face of dangers, if liver disease is left untreated it will ultimately lead to liver failure and death of the cat.

The liver in cats and dogs is more susceptible to liver disease. Its large size indicates its criticality to overall health. It is the industrial powerhouse of the body. From filtering toxins to providing energy to supplying nutrients, it is involved in practically all the biochemical processes that go on in the body.

As and when toxins increase, the liver is called upon to perform beyond its normal capacity, which may lead to liver failure. Initially liver disease manifests as mild symptoms like:

* Vomiting
* Anorexia ( refusal to eat)
* Weight loss.
* Pale gray and soft feces.
* Weakness and lethargy.

The symptoms of liver disease in dogs are almost similar to those of feline liver disease . This similarity exists even in the causes like excess of toxin intake and secondary infections caused due to disease in other organs. However, feline infectious peritonitis, leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus are few of the cat specific causes.

Left untreated, toxins may build up and the disease progresses and presents the following symptoms that may point to liver failure.

* Jaundice
* Seizures.
* Circling
* Fluid retention and a distended stomach.

Liver disease can progress to a stage where treatment may become cumbersome and in certain cases, even impossible. It is advisable that positive steps be taken even on a mild suspicion of liver related symptoms. It is better to call your veterinarian to check as there are possibilities of cat owners misreading the symptoms. After all it is better to make a mistake than risk the life of your cat.

The best way to prevent liver disease is to check what goes in: diet as well as drugs. Some drugs that can potentially increase toxins are:

* Steroidal compounds.
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
* Heavy metals: for example mercury from deep sea fish and lead from paint chips.
* Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as a sedative.

It pays to find alternatives for the drugs that are known to be toxic to the liver. For example, potassium bromide is safer and would work as well as Phenobarbital. Try to seek help from a holistic veterinarian who will not hesitate to make use of natural and safer homeopathic remedies.

Even though specific causes of different types of liver disease that ultimately lead to liver failure is not known, obesity in cats is suspected to be one of the primary reasons. Controlling obesity will ultimately lead to effective prevention of liver disease.

Diet plays an important role in preventing liver disease in dogs and cats. Low fat diet rich in antioxidants and easily digestible grains provide a well needed rest to the liver so that it self-heals using its regenerative capacity. Restrict intake of proteins as this will lead to lesser production of ammonia. Change to small but frequent feeding with proteins of high biological value such as eggs and milk products. High fiber diet, ensuring that the cat is not undernourished, also helps in curbing ammonia production.

The most important thing is timely action. Cat owners who are overly concerned about the health of their companion should try to inform themselves of what causes feline liver disease and adhere to liver friendly diet from day one.

There is a difference between liver disease and liver failure. Liver disease is a general term applied to any disorder that is affecting liver. The blood tests in this case show higher levels of liver enzymes. Apart from fatty liver disease, which is a more common in cats, other types of feline liver diseases are caused by toxins from food and drugs, trauma, heatstroke and infections.

A liver shunt, where the blood bypasses the liver instead of going through it, is a genetic defect in the portal vein but may be acquired in certain cases.

Liver disease is usually difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats normally have to be observed carefully as they often duplicate symptoms of other diseases. Till the definite results from blood tests, imaging procedures or histology are not available, even veterinarians are wary of confirming a diagnosis of liver disease. Before a definite diagnosis, the typical sequence of events occurs as follows.

* Cat owners observe certain symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite and other symptoms associated with liver health.
* The veterinarian advises blood tests. Liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which normally remain within the liver, show up freely in the blood. Bilirubin and bile acid levels in the blood are elevated.
* Ultrasound tests show an abnormal activity in the liver and an aspirate or a liver tissue is sent for further examination to confirm the exact nature of liver disease.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for liver disease in cats and dogs. If a particular toxin is identified, efforts should be made to remove it from the diet. If it is being caused by a drug, an alternative medicine should be sought.

Any change in type of stool passed by the cat, or inappropriate behavior in urination and defecation routines should be enough for cat owners to raise the alarm and consult a veterinarian. Jaundice observed as pale gums and yellowish mucous membrane, however, is a definite sign of some thing wrong with the liver.

One of the major causes of feline liver disease is the inefficiency of the feline liver to process fats. This leads to accumulation of fats and ultimately to obesity. A cat’s body should be shaped like an hourglass - the chest wider than the abdomen. Cats over 6.4 kilograms are considered to be obese. A veterinarian is the right person to suggest what type of weight loss program should be started.

Liver disease is dangerous and certain types of liver diseases are fatal and can only be managed. Despite the capacity of the organ function even in face of serious assaults, untreated liver disease almost always leads to liver failure and death. Early treatment and preventive measures like diet modification, keen observation and timely action often are able to halt further damage to one of the most important organs in the cat’s body.

When you bring a cat home, your responsibility is to take care of the animal. Cat owners, who are busy, normally leave their pets alone at home free to eat whatever they like. By not taking enough care of what their pet eats and not exercising them properly they are actually doing them a disservice.

The liver processes fats, proteins and other nutrients to convert them to the relevant substances that the body requires to function properly. The liver also filters toxins that the cat may have consumed through food or drugs or paint scrapings.

The problem with a cat’s liver is that it is not very efficient and cannot process fats as it should. Too much of fat in a cat’s diet leads to accumulation of fats around the liver causing a common feline liver disease, hepatic lipidosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease.

Obese cats are more susceptible to fatty liver disease. Obesity in cats is dependent on various factors:

* Breed, with mixed breeds being more prone to obesity.
* The natural ageing process.
* Genetic predisposition.
* The sterilization of female as well as male cats.
* Hypothyroidism.
* Excess intake of calories.

Unlike fatty liver disease in dogs, fatty liver disease is the most common feline liver disease. Cats do not exercise like a dog and the only option left for cat owners to manage obesity in cats is to regulate food. Cats usually regulate their food and eat only as much as they require.

However, if the cat is regularly exposed to large quantities of food there is a strong possibility of overeating. Instead of frequent small meals, even if you regulate only the total quantity fed in 24 hours, you have to at least keep a watch on the amount of calories you are feeding. Kittens, on the other hand, should only be given small meals four to five times a day.

Feeding your cat spontaneously without prior preparation can do a lot of long term harm to your cat’s liver health. It is better to take care of the following:

* Cats require a high protein diet and cannot adjust to a low protein diet. Cats are carnivores and must be fed with substantial quantities of meat.
* The majority of calorie intake should come from non-protein sources.
* Instead of depending upon commercial cat foods, try to prepare it yourself with eggs, cottage cheese, rice, meat and fish.
* Cats are usually averse to diet changes and finicky about food. Add a dash of salt, meat chunks or fish, preferably salmon, mackerel or tuna, if you must feed a commercial diet.

The fundamental symptoms of fatty liver disease in dogs and cats are loss of appetite and weight loss although the cat may be apparently overweight. It is, however, not known whether the disease causes loss of appetite or the other round. But once there is an accumulation of fats around the liver, the cat’s liver cannot metabolize and remove it.

Cats need an amino acid called arginine for maintaining proper urea cycle for converting ammonia to urea. In a critical situation, the body consumes proteins from muscles for the requisite supply of arginine, which can prove to be fatal.

The l iver is an important organ of the detoxification system in the body. Every human being and pet is exposed to carcinogens. These carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. The liver purifies these carcinogens to a large extent keeping the toxicity levels down.

But in cats, the fungi that appear on spoiled cat-food, specific pesticides and food additives, dyes, plants and animal tissue become toxic only after being metabolized by the liver. These substances can therefore, potentially cause feline cancer in the liver in cats.

Primary liver tumors are rare in cats and most of the times liver cancer in cats appears as a result of metastasis from other cancers. Primary liver tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not cause much trouble to the cat unless they grow big enough to encroach upon other organs that are close by. In certain cases benign tumors in the liver may result in lowering blood sugar levels in the cat.

A malignant liver tumor can also metastasize and affect other parts of the body. The most disturbing aspect of malignant tumors is that they are usually in an advanced stage by the time they are diagnosed. The basic reason behind this is that the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats are not unique. They can relate to many other conditions, which make diagnosis a difficult proposition. Some conditions of the liver that produce symptoms similar to liver cancer are:

* Inflammation of the liver and the surrounding organs.
* Pus filled abscesses in the liver similar to the ones that you often appear on the skin of the cat.
* An injury or rupturing of the liver that causes blood to clot and form hematomas.

If you notice symptoms like vomiting without reason, loosing weight, not eating properly, a bloated stomach or jaundice it is better to get your cat checked for a liver tumor.

History and a physical examination prove helpful in diagnosis. Some laboratory tests, x-rays or ultrasound of the abdominal region may be recommended by your veterinarian. Since a healthy liver is crucial to clotting of the blood, laboratory tests may include a coagulation profile to determine whether surgery is advisable or not. A biopsy of the liver is the ultimate procedure that establishes prevalence of a tumor beyond doubt.

Malignant liver tumor is a fast-growing disease and it is difficult to predict its course. The treatment depends mostly on the type of tumor. Surgery is done only if it is unavoidable. An intravenous transfusion of fluids and blood is imperative to stabilize the animal’s body before any invasive tests or treatment can be performed. This also takes care of any dehydration that may have been caused by liver tumors. Use of chemotherapy is a doubtful mode of treatment as primary malignant tumors are somehow immune to the chemo drugs.

As with other types of cancer in dogs and cats, liver tumor is also a serious condition that needs strict adherence to follow-up instructions after treatment. The prognoses of a benign tumors are highly encouraging if they are surgically removed. Malignant tumors, if removed, usually result in the death of the cat within a year. A proper monitoring and follow up may extend that period by a couple of years.

Reference:
http://www.zzcat.com/resources/overview.htm#types

15.02.2006

Functions of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas

The liver, the gallbladder and the pancreas are all crucially involved in the digestive process. The liver stores Vitamins A, D, E and K and produces bile, which is essential in the breakdown of fats.

It is also responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. These include medications, processed and unhealthy food and the various toxins your pet is exposed to on a daily basis.

The gallbladder stores the bile which is produced by the liver and releases it during digestion. The pancreas not only produces pancreatic juice which contains digestive enzymes that help in the breaking down of food, it also plays a vital role in controlling the level of sugar in the bloodstream by secreting two important hormones, insulin and glucagon

What are the symptoms of an unhealthy liver, gall bladder or pancreas?

Look out for the following signs in your pet if you suspect problems:

* Loss of appetite
* Weight loss
* Listlessness/lethargy
* Poor coat condition
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea/soft stools
* Gray stools
* Swollen abdomen
* Fluid retention
* Increased thirst
* Jaundiced (yellow) mucous membranes
* Weakness
* Confusion
* Convulsions or delirium in advanced disease.

How can natural remedies help?

Herbal and homeopathic remedies have a long history of successful use in the treatment of liver conditions and the promotion of liver, gallbladder and pancreatic functioning.

They can be used alone or as part of the total treatment strategy, depending on the diagnosis and the recommendations of your holistic vet.

Note: If you are unsure of a diagnosis, please consult your vet before beginning home treatment.

What is PetAlive LiverAid?

PetAlive LiverAid combines herbal and homeopathic remedies in a unique formula which is both effective and safe.

It can be used preventatively or as part of a broader treatment program for pets with liver, gallbladder and pancreatic problems.

This remedy is of special benefit to animals with diabetic or pre-diabetic conditions and would be an excellent addition to pets using PetAlive GlucoBalance, SlenderPet, Flatulence Preventer, Natural Moves, Furball Preventer, Energy Tonic and Digestive Support.

Use PetAlive LiverAid:

* As a blood purifier and system cleanser
* To improve and stimulate liver functioning and prevent liver disease
* To eliminate toxins and strengthen systemic resistance against disease and infection
* To assist with the flow of bile and promote gall bladder health
* To improve the health and functioning of the pancreas - especially in the case of diabetic animals
* As an essential tonic for animals with liver, gall bladder and pancreatic conditions

What are the ingredients of PetAlive LiverAid?

PetAlive LiverAid contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Carduus marianus (Milk thistle) is regarded as one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives. Medical use of Milk Thistle may be traced back more than 2000 years. More recently, Milk Thistle has been subjected to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. Scientific analysis of Milk Thistle shows that it contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the medical benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and can block the entrance of toxins into the liver and remove toxins at cellular level, thereby resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver functioning. This would have a direct impact on overall systemic health as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body.

Arctium lappa (Burdock) has been used for many centuries as a blood purifier and system cleanser. It also has antibiotic and antirheumatic properties and is very useful in the treatment of digestive sluggishness, especially after following an overly rich and unhealthy diet.

Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine) is a traditional folk remedy for indigestion, jaundice and sluggish livers. Clinical trials have supported this traditional usage and extracts of Celandine have been shown to stimulate the production of bile and pancreatic digestive enzymes, relieve gallbladder spasms and stimulate under active gallbladders. Test tube and animal studies have also demonstrated that Celandine has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties and can also protect animal livers against toxic substances.

Kalium Muriaticum (C6) (Kali. Mur.) is one of the most important biochemic tissue salts when it comes to liver health. Acting as a system cleanser and purifier, it is essential for treating a sluggish liver and for pets who suffer from heartburn and belching.

Natrium Phosphate (C6) (Nat. Phos.) is another biochemic tissue salt that has important benefits to the liver and gall bladder. Used regularly, it can help to assimilate fats and promote the flow of bile from the gall bladder. Nat. Phos. also helps to treat indigestion and assists with healthy digestive functioning.

Natrium Sulphate (C6) (Nat. Sulph.) acts as a cell cleanser and is often recommended to detoxify the liver, to ensure a healthy supply of bile from the gallbladder and to promote the health of the pancreas. This makes Nat. Phos. an excellent recommendation for the diabetic pet.

Lactose (inactive ingredient)

(PetAlive LiverAid contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has PetAlive LiverAid helped others?

“This product is truly remarkable and brought back energy and health to our family dog who has had digestive problems and lack of energy for the past six months. According to the vet, she ‘may’ have had an unidentified virus or some other illness but nothing showed up on the tests. After 6 weeks she is just a different animal thanks to the LiverAid, which we plan on continuing for some time” - T. Holmes

“Our cat has diabetes and I always felt sorry for her being so tired and out of condition. With the Liver Aid we have seen a big change in her condition and when I saw her chasing her catnip mouse across the floor yesterday I said to my husband that I would write in - we are just so grateful for this as she is really our ‘little girl’! ” - Erica B.

“The vet recommended LiverAid for our diabetic dog who was always tired and unable to even go for her walk. She has been ill with a variety of problems and has had to take lots of different medication and antibiotics and I think her system just caved in. We began to see improvement in only 10 days and now after three weeks we are taking small walks together again - a little more every day. I have great confidence in your remedies and my whole family uses your remedies for people - it seems like your pet remedies are of the same high quality! Thank you for always delivering on your promises! ” - William.

How do we use PetAlive LiverAid?

PetAlive LiverAid comes in convenient dissolvable granule form. The tiny granules are easy to administer to animals of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Dosage: Administer three times daily.

Cats: One large pinch of granules
Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.
Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.

How long until we see results?

Taken regularly, you should notice a gradual improvement in health and vitality.

Due to the important role of the liver in overall systemic health, regular use of PetAlive LiverAid should help to improve energy levels, appetite, vitality, resistance to disease and overall well being.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of PetAlive LiverAid will last for 15 - 30 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

* Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible including pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke.
* Ask your veterinarian to explain the side effects all medications that are prescribed for your dog. If there is a chance of liver damage then find out if there is an alternative medication or if not, what you can do to minimize the effects of liver damage
* Acupressure massage is helpful in improving immune functioning
* Remove your pet’s food after a while if he has not eaten it all. Periods of fasting throughout the day are very important for effective digestion and detoxification.
* Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic). The liver is involved in getting rid of toxins in the body so the less chemical additives and preservatives in your pet’s diet, the more his liver’s workload decreases.
* Use Immunity and Liver Support capsules to boost your pet’s immune functioning and resistance against disease and infection
* Filtered or bottled water is preferable to chlorinated or fluorinated water.
* Talk to a holistic vet before immunizing your pet. Over-vaccination may stress the immune system unnecessarily.
* Food and water bowls should be made of glass, stainless steel or porcelain
* Don’t feed your pet chocolate, as even a small amount can be toxic.
* Cook food in stainless-steel pans, not aluminum or copper pans
* Regular exercise will help to keep your pet healthy and fit.

12.02.2006

Why is liver functioning so important for my pet?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often seen as the most important one. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, a healthy liver is seen as the most critical element in the body’s ability to fight disease and function optimally.

Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. It also produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Environmental pollution, processed and unhealthy foods, prescription drugs, frequent vaccinations and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to sluggish and diseased livers. The result? Pets with depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems.

A sluggish or diseased liver can seriously compromise your pet’s health and increase the chances of systemic illness.

How do I know if my pet has a problem liver?

Symptoms of a problem liver can be vague especially in the early stages of liver disease.

Some symptoms such as jaundice do point specifically to the liver but other symptoms could also mimic a number of other diseases.

Nevertheless, symptoms to look out for include:

* Loss of appetite
* Weight loss
* Listlessness
* Poor coat condition
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea/soft stools
* Gray stools
* Swollen abdomen
* Fluid retention
* Jaundiced (yellow) mucous membranes
* Weakness
* Confusion
* Convulsions or delirium in advanced disease.

What are Immunity and Liver Support capsules?

Immunity and Liver Support capsules contain a combination of especially selected herbs known for their ability to cleanse and purify the system, improve immune functioning and support liver health.

Used as a general tonic or to protect against disease, Immunity and Liver Support capsules are also very effective during convalescence and can help your pet in the recovery phase after illness.

Immunity and Liver Support capsules:

* Boost immune functioning and resistance against disease and infection, including viral and bacterial infection.
* Improve liver health and functioning and aid in the elimination of systemic toxins.
* Act as a tonic for the lymphatic system
* Help to counter the harmful effects of frequent vaccinations and antibiotic treatment
* Promote and speed up healing and recovery after illness
* Increase hemoglobin levels and prevent anemia
* Promote vitality and balance in the body
* Keep your pet healthy and calm

What are the Ingredients of Immunity and Liver Support Capsules?

Immunity and Liver Support capsules contain the following 100% herbal ingredients:

Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion) Dandelion contains bitter principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver and digestive system. Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. It enhances liver and gall bladder functioning and may decrease high blood pressure due to its diuretic properties.

Echinacea purpurea is well known for its excellent benefits for immune functioning and for its antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Used as a natural antibiotic, immune stimulant and anti-allergy agent, Echinacea is also effective as a tonic for the lymphatic system and has been investigated as supportive treatment in AIDS therapy. Regular use can help to keep your pet healthy and resistant to a range of illnesses.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is also called ‘Indian ginseng’ and is one of the most important Ayurvedic tonic herbs, assisting with growth, health and vigor. Regular use can help to nourish the blood and increase hemoglobin levels. Recent studies have demonstrated that Ashwagandha has anti-tumor properties and can help to prevent or slow the development of cancers. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and has excellent calming properties. This herb is often recommended as a tonic to assist with recovery after illness.

Sylibum marianum (Milk Thistle) is regarded as one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives and medical use of Milk Thistle may be traced back more than 2000 years. Milk Thistle has been subject to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. It is frequently recommended to counteract the harmful effects of prescription drugs and vaccinations on the liver and clinical studies have shown that it helps the liver to return to normal functioning. Scientific analysis of Milk Thistle shows that it contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the medical benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and can block the entrance of toxins into the liver and remove toxins at cellular level, thereby resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver functioning. This would have a direct impact on the overall systemic health of your pet as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body.

Rice Powder (inactive ingredient)

Immunity and Liver Support capsules contain no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

How have Immunity and Liver Support capsules helped others?

“My German Shepherd is my treasure! He is already 10 years old and he has always been a healthy boy. Lately he has been ‘off color’ and not wanting to eat much. Also he was eating lots of grass and throwing up almost every day. I was very worried about him. The vet said maybe an infection and gave us antibiotics, and that made no difference, but your Immunity/Liver Support remedy has worked after only three weeks. No more throwing up and much more energy! Thanks for a natural alternative - next time I know where to come first!” - Serena.

“I wanted to write in and tell you that I think you have a great website with lots of good information and help. I have already used two of your products and have been very pleased. My cat has been throwing up forever and since your Liver and Immunity Support she can eat without a problem again.” - Tammy.

“I have been a native remedies customer for many years and expected your pet remedies to be just as good as your people remedies. I can say with absolute pleasure that I have not been disappointed. As people we are lucky to have some natural alternatives to the conventional medicine, but our pets have not been so lucky up to now. I have used your Immunity and Liver Support capsules for two of my dogs and can recommend them to anyone with a bilious animal.” - RC

How do I use Immunity and Liver Support capsules?

The capsules may be given whole or opened and mixed with food or a treat, depending on your pet’s size and preferences.

Dosage:
Cats and small dogs: 1/2 capsule twice daily.
Medium dogs: One capsule twice daily.
Large dogs: One to two capsules twice daily.

Caution: Safety during pregnancy and nursing has not yet been established.

How long until I see results?

Degree and speed of improvement differs from animal to animal, depending on many factors. With regular use, your pet should begin to show a gradual return to health and vitality.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of Immunity and Liver Support contains 60 capsules and will last for 15 - 60 days, depending on the size of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

* Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible
* Ask your veterinarian to explain the side effects all medications that are prescribed for your dog. If there is a chance of liver damage then find out if there is an alternative medication or if not, what you can do to minimize the effects of liver damage
* There are a number of herbs which offer specific health benefits to the liver. These include: the extract of the milk thistle seed which protects liver cells from injury and supports the regeneration of new ones and the dandelion root which is an excellent liver tonic and is also useful in boosting the immune system
* Acupressure massage is also helpful in improving immune system and liver functioning.