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Read here>>http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/liver-disease-liver-failure-dogs 

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Liver Disease in Dogs

According to the Canine Liver Disease Foundation, liver disease is one of the five top causes of non-accidental death in dogs. The liver is an extremely complex organ, responsible for a multitude of tasks necessary for the sustenance of life, and therefore, damage to the liver compromises the dog in a multitude of ways.

Among hundreds of other tasks, the liver:

• Metabolizes amino acids to produce proteins--including albumin, a protein essential to a healthy dog


• Creates essential digestive enzymes and blood clotting factors


• Metabolizes carbohydrates and lipids


• Removes harmful compounds from the bloodstream—including cholesterol, steroids, hemoglobin


• Breaks down medicines administered to the dog—including anesthesia, sedatives, and antibiotics


• Produces and stores vitamins A. D. E. and K


• Detoxifies wastes and poisons


• Stores energy and nutrients


• Converts glycogen into glucose to regulate blood sugar


• Aids in digestion by producing bile which travels through the gallbladder and small intestine where it breaks down food and eventually is excreted from the body

Despite the vast number of tasks the liver performs, liver disease is often difficult to diagnose in dogs because every part of the liver performs all of the liver’s tasks.

Liver damage can result from many causes including:

• Cancer


• Infection (viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial)


• Inflammation


• Genetic abnormalities


• Toxic reactions


• Medicinal side effects


• Obstructive bile duct disease


• Vascular abnormalities


• Hepatoportalfibrosis


• Hepatitis


• Pancreatitis


• Anemia


• Copper storage disease


• Nutritional imbalance


• Trauma

Only severe liver damage, affecting all parts of the liver, will become noticeable to an outside observer.

Liver Disease Symptoms

Because of the vast number of functions the liver performs, symptoms of liver disease vary widely and therefore the disease can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the early stages.

Symptoms that point directly to liver disease include:

• Jaundice


• Hepatomegaly (liver enlargement which causes abdominal distension)


• Soft, grayish feces


• Lack of tolerance for anesthesia, sedatives, and antibiotics

Symptoms that point indirectly to liver disease include:

• Decreased weight


• Polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (increased urination)


• Anorexia (decreased interest in food)


• Diarrhea


• Labored breathing


• Vomiting


• Seizures


• Dehydration

Liver Disease Treatment

Since liver disease may result from many causes, the treatment for your dog will depend on the cause of the disease. Your vet will run a number of tests to narrow down the cause of the disease and suggest the correct treatment. Unfortunately, often there is no cure for liver disease.

Your vet will use a variety of techniques to treat the symptoms of liver disease including Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to keep your dog hydrated and nourished, and treat nausea with medication.

If your dog was taking medication prior to the liver damage, he may need to take a lower dose for his preexisting condition as well. Your vet will determine the best drug therapy for your dog, based on the determined cause of the liver distress.

These treatments may include:

• Corticosteroids


• Antibiotics


• Sucralfate


• Cimetidine


• Diuretics


• Potassium


• Nutritional therapy


• Vitamin supplements


• Mineral supplements


• S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

While most liver disease is incurable and therefore likely to shorten your dog’s life, proper nutrition, medication, and care can help him live comfortably for some time to come.

About National Pet Pharmacy

We at National Pet Pharmacy want your dog to live as long and comfortably as possible. Though there may be no cure for liver disease, our products—only U.S. FDA/EPA approved medications treat and manage your dog’s condition to keep him happy and healthy. Nutramax Denosyl (S-Adenosylmethionine) and S-Adenosyl-225 are liver supplements which protect and restore proper liver function. Our extensive line of dog foods, such as Hills L/D, will help ensure your pet receives the nutrients he needs to manage his condition, and our toys will help him enjoy life once he feels better.