Pets Care

The large size of the liver stands testimony to the multifunctional roles that it plays in the health of a dog. Its importance can be gauged from the fact that 25% of the blood pumped out with each heartbeat goes into the liver alone. Another significant aspect of the liver lies in the fact that it stores its capacity for emergencies and uses only a small amount of its potential at any given time. This inherent property actually works against your pet as the symptoms of liver disease in dogs remain hidden for a long time. The liver has an advantage that is matched by very few organs in the body. Liver cells can regenerate themselves allowing a disease struck liver to resume normal functions in many cases.

The liver is also involved in practically all that goes on in the body. It is involved in growth, supply of nutrients, providing energy and filtering toxins. It also aids other organs in their functions. Understanding liver disease in dogs is a complex process. The causes behind liver malfunction, however, can be tabulated for easy understanding.

The liver is located in the most forward part of the abdomen of a dog, so far up that it almost touches the diaphragm, the muscles that helps in breathing in mammals. Any injury in that part of a dog’s body, being hit by a car for example, can fracture a liver lobe and cause bleeding into the abdomen. A minor contusion heals by itself but excessive bleeding can cause death. A heatstroke and torsion of the liver lobe can also restrict liver functions.

Trauma, viruses, drugs, bacteria, bile, (a digestive secretion of the gall bladder) and toxic foods can cause inflammation of the liver. An inflamed liver is known as hepatitis. An inflammation of the pancreas can indirectly spread to and cause liver disease. Hemolytic anemia, an immune mediated disease can restrict availability of oxygen to liver cells, thus killing the cells.

Most of the liver problems are accompanied by bacterial infection, making the use of antibiotics a routine matter while treating canine or feline liver disease. Heartworms are internal parasites that can block the flow of blood into the liver. Like any other disease that causes the failure of the right side of the heart, blockage of blood supply can cause serious liver problems.

One of the main functions of liver is to treat and discard toxins occasionally ingested by dogs. In addition, some drugs administered for various diseases can also affect the liver. Cortisones and other drugs for treating heartworms, arthritis, fungal infections, epilepsy medicines and de-worming medications can all negatively affect the liver.

Cancer is by all means the most serious of all liver diseases. Cancer can be primary (arising from the liver itself) or secondary (a cancer that reaches the liver on metastasis from another organ). It is usually detected late and shortens the life span of the dog even after treatment.

A liver disease in dogs is usually secondary. Problem elsewhere in the body reflect on normal liver functionality. Moreover, the symptoms of a liver disease are subtle and some dogs do not show any symptoms early in the course of the disease. All pets of eight years and above should be examined regularly, preferably every year. An early detection will go a long way to improve prognosis of liver disease.

The liver has innate properties of regenerating itself and can function easily even when a major part of its mass has been affected by a disease. This is the double edged nature of the largest organ in the body. It is advantageous in as much as it means that it keeps on working to its full potential for a long time even when it is affected by a liver disease. On the other hand, it also restricts manifestation of symptoms of liver disease in dogs while the disease continues to progress.

Liver disease in dogs throws up multiple symptoms, which are often confusing as they can relate to many mild disorders. The liver being the main industrial center in the body, performing multiple functions, is connected with practically all the biochemical processes that a body needs to function at optimal levels. As such, liver disease can affect any part of the body and in turn be affected by viral or bacterial infections in other organs or body systems. Some of the main symptoms of liver diseases in dogs are:

Gastrointestinal

The most common symptom is anorexia or loss of appetite. Loss of appetite is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal and abdominal upsets like diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Lack of proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins and the resultant weight loss leads to further complications. Disruption of normal physiological processes leads to anemia, which in turn causes progressive depression and lethargy. The dog would refuse to go out on walks and become intolerant to exercise.

Pale gray stools

Bile is made up of electrolytes, cholesterol, bile acids, bilirubin, (an orange yellow pigment in bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin) and globulins. It is produced and channeled by liver cells for storage in the gall bladder. Bile is important for drug elimination, re-circulation of red blood cells and absorption of fats from intestines into the blood stream. Bilirubin, which is toxic, must be detoxified and excreted into the intestines for further break up into urobilinogen. Urobilinogen gives stool its dark brown color. Liver disease may obstruct the bile duct and hamper this excretion resulting in pale gray colored feces.

Jaundice

Once the bile duct starts obstructing secretion of bile from the gall bladder the resultant accumulation of the toxic bilirubin in the blood stream leads to jaundice. The dog may show a yellow discoloration in the skin and mucous membranes.

Bleeding disorders

Liver synthesizes proteins that initiate and maintain the complex biochemical process of clotting. A liver disease can impair the normal clotting system, which results in bleeding disorders.

Ascites (Accumulation of fluids)

Accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity is more common in a canine liver disease rather than a feline liver disease. It is caused when the blood flow from the portal vein is diminished. The resultant rise in blood pressure causes fluids to leaks from the portal vein into the abdomen. This manifests as external symptom of a distended stomach. A severe condition hampers breathing as pressure on the diaphragm increases. A dog’s stomach can also appear to be bloated if the liver is abnormally enlarged. An enlarged liver induces pain in the abdomen, which can be aggravated when the dog is lifted from the stomach.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs are so varied that they are difficult to compile in a short write up. Besides physical symptoms, liver disease is also indicated through a condition known as Hepatic encephalopathy, or severe neurological signs like seizures, unnecessary pacing or circling, and other behavioral changes.

One of the major problems that veterinarians face is diagnosing liver disease in dogs and a possible liver failure. The liver is a multidimensional and a multi-functional organ in the body that also has an immense reserve capacity with self-regenerative properties. During the course of performing its functions, the liver aids and is aided by quite a few of other organs in the body. Due to this inter-relationship, it is often affected with primary as well as secondary diseases.

Usually most of the ailments have specific symptoms that make it easy to identify the disease easily. The symptoms of liver disease in dogs , however, present two major problems:

* They surface very late, often when the disease has progressed to an extent that treatment poses a major challenge.
* They duplicate with symptoms of other minor conditions, which often lead to confusion over whether it is liver disease or any other disease that is manifesting itself.

One of the indicative signs of liver failure is the yellow appearance of gums and mucous membranes, observed in jaundice. Jaundice is associated with excess levels of bilirubin, an orange-yellow bile pigment.

Bile is a digestive juice secreted by the liver. It is primarily responsible for countering acidity in the stomach, emulsion of fats and preventing decay of digestive materials.

Bilirubin is a toxic pigment of bile derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin. The liver excretes it after binding it to an amino acid of a water soluble protein, albumin, which makes it harmless. This union compound enters the digestive system and is broken down by intestinal bacteria into a harmless chromogen called urobilinogen. After complete digestion it is brown in color, which eventually gives feces its color.

A malfunctioning liver is unable to perform this dedicated function which results in less production of albumin and in turn in poor processing of bilirubin. Excessive free floating and conjugated bilirubin accumulate in body tissues resulting in:

a) gums and whites of the eyes turming yellowish

b) pale colored feces.

Apart from jaundice, liver failure is also indicated by major hormonal imbalances, abnormalities in red blood cell structure, anemia and excessive bleeding due to inability to coagulate. Most of these indications along with a high level of liver specific enzymes are revealed during investigative procedures involving laboratory tests and imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scan and MRI.

Diagnosing pet liver diseases including feline liver disease is a complicated procedure. Pets are unable to talk to us making it imperative to understand the anatomy, physiology and functions of the biggest organ in the body.

Out of the numerous liver functions, filtering of blood is perhaps one of the most important and crucial to the health of your dog. After the food has been digested in the intestines it is absorbed into the portal blood stream and carried to the liver. The liver works upon it to:

* Store some of the food for energy.
* Filter bacteria, chemicals, toxins and nutritional byproducts.
* Produce proteins and other substances necessary for life.

A liver shunt is a condition where the portal blood vessel, instead of carrying blood through the liver, carries it around it. In dogs with a liver shunt the unfiltered blood is carried into the body and toxins accumulate in the blood stream and kidneys, a condition that ultimately causes serious problems.

There are reasonable indications that suggest that liver shunt is a congenital liver disease in dogs and mostly the young puppy dies within weeks after birth. Some dogs do survive for years before some of the symptoms of liver disease in dogs like seizures, abnormal behaviors and serious illnesses become noticeable. In certain cases, however, liver shunt is acquired later in life due to insult to the organ due to a disease or injury.

A liver shunt cannot be established with routine blood and urine tests. When laboratory tests show an increase in either blood urea nitrogen or levels of liver enzymes like ALT and AST and the red blood cells appear smaller than normal, the veterinarian has to fall back upon advanced investigative procedures like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or even exploratory surgery.

The best that dog owners can do to manage their dog with a liver shunt is through dietary modifications and medicines. The main focus of treatment is on curbing toxins that are produced in the intestines on processing of proteins by toxin producing bacteria. Most of the patients respond well to special diets that restrict protein intake. The usual recommendation for dog food is that of 25% to 29% protein content. This should be reduced to 18%, all the while ensuring that the dog is fed with high quality proteins sourced from milk and vegetables.

Lactulose, a synthetic sugar, also gives some positive results by changing the pH levels in the intestines. It makes it difficult for toxin producing bacteria to survive and also inhibits absorption of ammonia. Lactulose also helps in easy elimination but the dose has to be monitored to avoid side effects like diarrhea. Some dogs do not respond to a modified diet or lactulose and have to be treated with antibiotics to restrict the number of toxin producing bacteria.

Feline liver disease due to a liver shunt requires similar management but is less common. Statistically, only 50% of dogs experience a substantial increase in survival time after treatment. Dogs with a liver shunt are usually put to sleep usually within ten months of diagnosis and treatment either because the neurological signs become uncontrollable or progression of liver disease. Although older dogs have a better chance of responding to treatment, surgery provides the best chance of a healthy and comfortable life of the dog.

Before understanding the treatment of liver disease in dogs, it is necessary to understand the functions that the liver performs in the body. The liver is the largest and among the most important organs in the body with an immense reserve capacity. Its multiple functions include:

* Regulation of the level of most of the chemicals in the body.
* Production of proteins for blood plasma.
* Conversion of waste products.
* Support in the regulation of fat distribution in the body.
* Production of bile for easy digestion.
* Regulation of amino acid levels.
* Storage of glycogen for later use as an energy source as per need of the body.
* Elimination of toxins from the blood.

Some of its functions are similar to those of other organs, which is one of the reasons that symptoms of liver disease in dogs resemble those caused by minor ailments of other organs.

Dietary modification is crucial for restoring liver functions. Liver cells have an incredible capacity of regeneration if the disease has not aggravated unreasonably. Adequate rest and a nutritional diet can aid in the process of regeneration of cells to a great extent.

Treatment of pet liver disease, including feline liver disease depends largely on the cause. Where the cause is known the first effort is to remove the underlying condition. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. Drugs that may be causing toxicity are removed. Fluids and electrolytes are administered intravenously to take care of dehydration caused by loss of appetite. Diuretics are used to help in urination to reduce fluid retention. If it is suspected that the immune system is involved, the veterinarian may seek the aid of corticosteroids.

If dogs are not vaccinated, Infectious Canine Hepatitis can occur at any age. Like all viral treatments hepatitis too is treated symptomatically, often involving administration of intravenous fluids. The liver plays an important role in blood clotting. Hepatitis can cause clotting problems and a loss of blood may result in the need for blood transfusion. Severe hepatitis may lead to a comatose condition, which necessitates giving glucose intravenously.

The liver also manages the level of copper in the body. Copper storage disease is mostly breed specific and common in some Terriers and Dobermans. Treatment is targeted at speeding up copper excretion and restricting further absorption of copper from the intestines. Penicillamine, a chelating agent, is given for helping in excretion and zinc for inhibiting absorption.

Perhaps the most dreaded of all liver diseases is malignant tumor in the organ. Liver cancer may be primary (originating from the liver itself) or secondary (cancer in another neighboring or distant area that spreads to the liver). Primary cancer involves surgical removal of the affected lobe and secondary cancers are treated with chemotherapy. Where more than one lobe is affected, surgery is ruled out.

Liver is a composite organ performing multiple actions at the same time, which makes it difficult to classify and understand liver disease. Liver diseases can be fatal despite the organ’s vast capability to continue to function under stress. The best method of preventing it is to be aware of your dog’s specific needs of diet and exercise right from the day you bring a pet home.

Liver disease in dogs is a more common occurrence than feline liver disease. Liver has always been a mysterious organ, which performs more functions in maintaining life than any other organ in the body. Its large size with the capacity to continue work even when it is affected by disease makes it difficult to diagnose a liver disease. In addition, given the right support, liver cells can regenerate and bounce back to normal functioning.

One of the major functions of liver is to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. If the liver does not function properly, the nutrients cannot be metabolized effectively and harmful by-products cannot be broken down. This can greatly affect the detoxification process. For example:

* The bacteria in large intestines produce toxic ammonia while breaking down proteins for absorption in the blood stream.
* When the liver is unable to provide essential nutrients to the body, cells break down body tissue to cover up the loss. Ammonia is also produced during this process.
* Liver disease leads to an inability to detoxify toxins and they enter the blood and circulate throughout the body.
* In severe conditions contaminated blood reaches the brain and causes hepatic encephalopathy leading to fits, seizures, excess salivation and head pressing.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs usually surface long after the disease has progressed as they are vague and mimic the symptoms of other common disorders. Once it is diagnosed, a liver disease requires a multi-pronged treatment approach. Diet plays an important role in providing support to medicines or supplements that the veterinarian may prescribe.

Blood vessels associated with the intestines supply most of the blood that the liver receives. The type of diet that you feed your dog is directly responsible for the type and amount of nutrients and toxins that the liver cells have to work on. The diet should ensure that all the below mentioned factors are taken into consideration.

* The requirement of the dog’s body.
* Need for nutrients that aid in the repair of damaged cells.
* Need to limit toxicity.
* Necessity to reduce the absorption of toxins from the bowel.

Low protein levels and high protein levels are equally bad for the body and there is a need to control and balance the protein that is ingested. Too much protein leads to a high level of ammonia production in the body during the metabolism process. If the protein level is too low, your dog’s body is likely to break down the body’s own tissues to replenish the shortfall. Proteins are also needed for repairing the damaged hepatocytes (liver cells). High quality proteins are the best for a dog that has a liver disease as they are easily digested and absorbed. The bacteria in the intestines get fewer proteins to breakdown meaning reduction in ammonia production.

A similar situation exists when it comes to carbohydrates and fats. A diseased liver is unable to process carbohydrates and at the same time the liver needs nutrients like glucose. Feeding the dog with complex carbohydrates like starch and fiber helps in inhibiting production. It also helps in the easy elimination of ammonia and other toxins.

Vitamin, mineral and zinc supplements help in detoxification process, support synthesis and protect the liver from copper accumulation. It is advisable to avoid commercial foods that contain preservatives and synthetic additives; however a veterinarian is the right person to suggest the right diet for a dog that has liver disease.

The immune system of dogs is a dedicated system that looks after the health of your pet by self-healing. It is also affected by simple factors such as prolonged diseases, reckless use of drugs and an improper diet.

It has always been recommended that proper nutrients be provided regularly to dogs for maintaining this complex system. Fish oils and herbs make a perfect combination for a natural approach keeping the immune system healthy.

Cod liver oil is usually favored by veterinarians for it high Vitamin A, D and Omea 3 fatty acid content. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in eyes and ears. It also keeps the gastrointestinal and uro-genital tracts in proper operable conditions.

Vitamin D, on the other hand helps in effective metabolism of calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone density.

Fish oils like cod liver oil are natural sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are necessary to maintain overall health. Many commercial diets for dog contain Omega 6 fatty acids in higher than recommended proportions, which can prove to be harmful. The Omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil acts as a balancing factor and counters the harmful effects of Omega 6 acids.

Fatty acids, to be effective, should be in the form of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and are thus termed as essential fatty acids. Fish oils, including cod liver oil, are natural sources of these forms of fatty acids.

Plant based oils need to be converted from Alpha-linolenic Acid (LNA), a process that requires huge amounts of LNA for the required amount of EPA and DHA.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for some critical functions that the body must perform to maintain health:

* Transport and metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides.
* Normal brain development and functioning.
* Maintaining vision.
* Adrenal functioning.
* Regulate immune system.

Herbs like aloe vera, Echinacea, astragalus, goldenseal, elder and garlic have played a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system helps in preventing certain disease that often cause problems to dogs and dog owners alike.

Liver disease in dogs is one ailment that is not easily detected as the symptoms of liver disease in dogs are subdued and difficult to correlate with liver.

It is important for dog owners to learn more about this aspect of dog health so that an early treatment may be given to avoid further complications. Ginseng is most suited for improving liver function, regenerating liver cells and ensuring general immunity against disease.

It should however, be avoided in all cases of liver disease including feline liver disease if pets are already suffering from acute infections and anxiety. Shiitake mushrooms are another herb that can be considered for protecting the liver.

The natural and holistic approach to maintain immune system is always preferred as natural remedies can be including in routine diet without fear of side effects. Despite this, some herbs are not recommended in certain conditions and in undiluted form. It is better to use herbs after gathering full information or under supervision of a certified herbalist.

Prognosis of liver disease primarily depends upon the following factors:

* The type of liver disease – hepatitis, cancer, liver shunt, drug induced or others.
* Primary or secondary – whether the disease originated in the liver or the liver is affected as a fall out of disease elsewhere in the body.
* The time factor – the stage to which the disease has advanced at the time of detection.

A close look at different types of liver diseases is necessary to understand the prognosis of each type.

* Chronic progressive hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, may be immune mediated or idiopathic (arising from unknown reasons). It is common in Terrier breeds due to their inherent inability to expel copper from their body. Some other reasons that may cause hepatitis include virus and drug induced inflammations.
* Acute hepatitis, on the other hand, is mostly caused by accumulation of toxins, which may be ingested or due to some internal inability to process toxicity. Many times acute hepatitis is caused by bacteria like Leptospira, Salmonella. Aflatoxin, bacterial endotoxin and blue green algae are potent toxins, some of which may be broken down and released inside the body after they are ingested. Acute hepatitis may also occur due to trauma, acute inflammation of the pancreas, and hemolytic anemia or oxygen deficiency due to surgical intervention.
* Cirrhosis is the last stage of inflammatory liver diseases. In majority of the cases the cause of cirrhosis remains undetermined.
* Internal as well as administered corticosteroids are one of the major reasons behind liver disease in dogs as the canine liver, due to some reason or the other, is more sensitive to them.
* The liver is also a favorite site for primary as well as metastatic tumors.
* Liver shunt is a genetic disorder, which may also be acquired in certain cases, where the blood bypasses the liver and enters the blood stream without filtration.

When diagnosed early, the prognosis for treatment of liver disease can be very good. However, quite a few numbers of diseases are confused with liver diseases, making it difficult to diagnose canine and feline liver disease. Symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats imitate other conditions and so do the pathological results.

For example, liver enzyme levels increase during pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism and also in the case of a liver disease. Similarly, levels of bilirubin, an important indication of liver disorders, increase even during non-hepatic conditions like a sustained loss of appetite, destructive metabolism and infection. Late detection can lead to liver failure unless aggressive treatment is used.

Acute conditions present a good prognosis and the liver’s regenerative capacity can be boosted by modifying diet and looking for alternatives to drugs that cause them.

Care has also to be taken that the pet is not exposed to external toxins so as not to ingest them. 95% of the cases of liver shunt are cured successfully with the aid of replacement surgery. Chances of recovery of the liver from secondary diseases depend largely upon the prognosis of the primarily affected organ.

Idiopathic and immune mediated liver diseases present a fair to poor prognosis. They require constant monitoring in conjunction with dietary changes and steps to boost the immune system. Primary or secondary liver cancer, on the hand, has a very poor prognosis and much depends upon the extent to which the liver has been affected by the malignancy.

One of the basic characteristics of the liver is its functional reserve power to continue performing despite being affected by liver disease. Like other liver diseases in dogs , liver cancer too is usually diagnosed well after the disease has taken it roots and progressed to dangerous levels. Diagnosing canine and feline liver diseases , including liver cancer requires a comprehensive approach.

Liver, being closely associated with other organs in the body, demonstrates symptoms that mimic diseases of organs. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs are subtle and vary as the disease progresses.

Primary liver cancer is less common than secondary cancer that originates from elsewhere in the body. Liver has a dual blood supply – one through the portal vein and the other through the hepatic artery. While the liver needs this extra supply to perform its multiple functions, it also means that it is exposed to a greater risk of cancer cells that can reach it from distant organs that have spread in the blood stream.

Liver disease in dogs can occur at any age. In younger dogs and puppies there is a greater possibility of liver shunt, toxicity and viral diseases. In older dogs, inflammation and cancer is more likely than other conditions. Even though liver cancer does not show specific symptoms, severity of the following symptoms requires further investigation to rule out prevalence of malignancy:

* The most common symptom is poor or loss of appetite. Anorexia (poor appetite) often leads to a weight loss and improper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins further complicates an already complex situation.
Poor appetite also causes anemia. Anemia can also be caused by disease in liver cells.
* Increase in urination accompanied by excessive drinking of water is usually confused as being related to other diseases like diabetes and kidney diseases but is one of the important indications of prevalence of liver cancer.
* A tumor prevents the secretion of normal bilary pigments into the intestines. This leads to light colored feces.
* Coagulation of blood is one of the important functions of the liver. Liver cancer can inhibit this function and cause bleeding problems.
* If the tumor is big enough, it can be felt by probing the region from outside. A distended stomach and abdominal pain also indicate liver cancer.
* In severe conditions, liver cancer leads to jaundice. If the mucous membranes are yellowish or the dog is passing orange colored urine, it is a sure signal of jaundice and should be taken for examination to rule out cancer.

The liver is crucial to breaking down toxins. If the liver has primary or secondary cancer, the malignancy restricts its detoxification processes letting out toxicity in the blood stream. When this toxicity reaches the brain it may cause behavioral changes related to the nervous system, such as seizures, circling and tilting of the head. Watch out for these symptoms especially after meals.

It may be difficult but an early detection of liver cancer means that half the battle is won. The liver cells can regenerate to a great degree if they are provided with high quality supportive diet. Increasing the survival time may not be possible but you can at least provide comfort and a good quality of life to your pet.

Its multifunctional nature and its unusually large size with six lobes, makes the liver a complex organ. It is equally affected by primary diseases that originate from it and secondary problems that start from other organs but reflect upon liver functions. Veterinarians usually perceive liver disease in dogs on the basis of the age of the animal. In young dogs, a liver disease is normally caused by toxicity, diversion of blood from normal channels or viruses. In older dogs inflammation and cancer are the usual suspects.

A specific diagnosis of liver disease is not possible as there are too many causes of liver disease in pets and feline liver disease and canine liver disease cannot be diagnosed too easily. Moreover the symptoms of liver disease in dogs are subtle and tend to overlap with other conditions. Feeling the abdomen usually lets the veterinarian know whether there is an enlargement of the liver. Yellow coloration of the gums, teeth and mucous membrane are indicative of jaundice, a type of liver disease that is caused by excessive retention of bilirubin. Beyond that a series of laboratory blood tests need to be done to confirm a diagnosis.

Any treatment module must take into account the following objectives to effectively manage a liver condition:

* Eliminate the causative factor such as poison or copper that may be damaging the liver.
* Manage the negative affects of the causative toxin.
* Provide aid in healing and regeneration of liver cells.
* Ensure a good quality of life of the dog till the time liver functions are restored.

Fortunately, the liver can work properly even in conditions where a majority of its cells are damaged. In addition, the liver cells can regenerate themselves and there is a fair to good chance of avoiding liver failure if the harmful toxins are removed. Dietary changes play an important role in this aspect of treatment. The body finds it difficult to regulate blood glucose levels if the dog has liver disease, which makes diet crucial to treatment. Your veterinarian is the right person to suggest the types of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fats that are best suited for the condition. The important thing to remember is that during the course of the treatment your dog should take the prescribed diet and medication and nothing else.

Besides diet change and regulation, other treatment methods are specific to the cause of the liver disease. Fluids and electrolytes are used to correct the dehydration that may be caused by a poor appetite. B-complex vitamins are added to the fluids that are given intravenously or subcutaneously. This corrects the sodium, potassium and chloride levels. Vitamin K is added if the liver disease has brought about problems with coagulation of blood.

In cases of fluid retention in the abdomen, the level of sodium in the body should be restricted. This is mostly accomplished with the aid of diuretics. Antibiotics are administered for bacterial infections. Cortisone is used if an immune mediated liver disease is suspected. Hepatitis, inflammation caused by viruses, is treated symptomatically depending upon the severity. Cirrhosis of the liver is the ultimate condition of chronic hepatitis, where no treatment is effective. The most you can do is to alleviate pain and try to make life as comfortable as you can for your dog.