Canine Liver Disease & SAMe

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a dietary supplement used to treat canine liver disease, the fourth most common killer of senior dogs. Signs and symptoms of canine liver disease include increased thirst or urination, digestive problems, weight loss or decreased appetite or weight gain or abdominal swelling from fluid retention. After your dog's veterinarian diagnoses liver disease, supplementing your dog's diet with SAMe may boost liver function and minimize damage and digestive problems.

  1. How SAMe works

    • SAMe prevents your dog's liver cells from being damaged or killed by toxins filtered from blood, reduces inflammation and pain and promotes bile production that helps your dog digest food. Liver disease decreases the amount of SAMe your dog's liver produces, as well as its ability to filter and eliminate toxins.

    How to Give Your Dog SAMe Supplements

    • SAMe isn't stable enough to incorporated in high levels in pet foods, so it must be given as an oral supplement in pill form. Give SAMe on an empty stomach at least an hour before your dog's mealtime, since food decreases the amount absorbed. Give SAMe in a small treat or bite of food followed by water so that it is quickly swallowed and does not irritate your dog's throat.

      Avoid breaking SAMe tablets because the pill coating protects SAMe from destruction by stomach acid before it can benefit your dog's liver. If you split a tablet, throw out the portion you do not give your dog because it will not stay effective.

    Storing SAMe

    • Store SAMe in a childproof container away from moisture and heat and out of reach of children and pets.

    SAMe Side Effects and Drug Interactions

    • SAMe has no known side effects in dogs. Canine studies show no adverse reactions from giving SAMe with other supplements or medications, but consult your vet before changing your dog's diet or starting new medications.

    Effectiveness

    • Several varieties of SAMe are available over the counter but not all are effective for dogs, as SAMe is also used in humans and cats. Veterinarian Todd Tams recommends the brand Denosyl for dogs with liver disease.

      Monitor your dog's appetite, weight, activity level and attitude. Contact the vet if your dog's condition changes and take your pet for periodic physical exams, X-rays, ultrasound exams, and/or blood tests to monitor liver function. It may take one to four months before you see improvements. Because SAMe supplementation may help heal and repair liver cells, your dog may need less SAMe once liver function improves.