The liver is an important organ in overall body health. Its functions include storing glycogen, synthesizing plasma protein and detoxification of the body's blood stream. It also helps with food digestion and fighting disease in a dog's body. Treatment of canine liver disease varies with the cause, symptoms and severity. Treatment is usually supportive and addresses the symptoms rather than aiming to cure the disease. Because the liver is involved in the metabolism of most medications, any medicines used in canine liver disease treatment have to be carefully administered and monitored under a doctor's supervision.
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Treatment with Fluids
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Fluids can be given by IV or subcutaneously. Fluids are commonly used in the treatment of canine liver disease to combat the dehydration that usually occurs and to keep a proper electrolyte balance in the dog. They can either be given subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously, depending on the extent of the dehydration and the condition of the dog.
Treatment with Antibiotics
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Antibiotics are used to combat secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotics are used in canine liver disease caused by infection, or in cases where the veterinarian is concerned about the risk of secondary infections. Some common antibiotics used in canine liver disease are penicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, enrofloxacin and metronidazole.
Treatment with Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroid treatment can help a dog feel better and improve his appetite. Corticosteroids are used in canine liver disease caused by immune mediated issues or in chronic active hepatitis to control inflammation and decrease fibrosis. Two common forms of corticosteroids that are used are prednisolone and prednisone. They are usually used at a loading dose, and then decreased over time. In addition to decreasing inflammation, corticosteroids can help the animal feel better and can help increase appetite.
Treatment with Azathioprine
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Azathioprine can be used with steroids in treatment of canine liver disease. Azathioprine is a medication that suppresses the immune system and might be used in canine liver disease that has an immune mediated cause. It can be used in combination with corticosteroids.
Treatment with Diruetics
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Fluid in the adbomen can make it hard for a dog to breathe. Dogs with canine liver disease often experience ascities, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. That fluid can put pressure on the diaphragm making it difficult for the dog to breathe. Furosimide (Lasix) is a common medication used to treat ascities.
Treatment to Control Nausea
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Dogs with liver disease can have nausea and vomiting. Many dogs with canine liver disease have gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, or they develop gastrointestinal ulcers. Common medications used for these cases might include sucralfate and cimetidine.
Treatment with Vitamins
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Vitamin supplementation may help dogs with liver disease. Canine liver disease can cause bleeding disorders in dogs, so some veterinarians will use Vitamin K supplements to help control bleeding. Vitamin E is another common vitamin supplement used in canine liver disease because of its antioxidant properties.
Homeopathic Treatments
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Milk thistle has antioxidant properties. There are several homeopathic remedies that are being used in the treatment of canine liver disease. Antioxidants like milk thistle, digestive aids like burdock and greater celandine, and system purifiers/cleansers like kalium muriaticum and natrium sulphate are common herbal supplements used. All additional supplements should be used only under the direction of your veterinarian.
Other Treatment Options
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Your veterinarian may prescribe dietary changes if your dog has liver disease. Depending on the cause and symptoms, bile acid reducers like Ursodiol, ammonia level reducers like lactulose, copper reduction medications like zinc, antioxidant/anti-inflammatories like S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), and dietary changes may also be prescribed by your veterinarian.
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