Dog Liver Disease Treatment

Liver disease in dogs can be a complicated issue. According to Doctors Foster and Smith, it's not always possible to specifically treat the condition. Dogs diagnosed with liver disease can receive supportive treatment, though. Addressing liver toxins, reducing stress and correctly managing a dog's diet can do a lot to prolong its life and improve its condition.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dogs with liver disorders may exhibit a variety of symptoms, depending on the cause. A dog suffering from damage to the liver may have a reduced appetite, digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss and a distended abdomen. Affected dogs often drink and urinate more, and may suffer from changes to their behavior and seizures. Some develop an intolerance to anesthesia or develop jaundice, a condition where the whites of the eyes and skin become yellowed.

    Medications

    • Medications may treat the symptoms of liver disease, depending on the extent of the damage and its origin. Corticosteroids are used in situations where scarring and inflammation are a concern, such as chronic hepatitis. These drugs can improve well-being and increase appetite, but may cause liver damage in high doses. Antibiotics may be used in cases where damage is caused by an infection; zinc acetate and pennicillamine in cases of copper storage disease; and diuretics in cases of ascites, or abdominal fluid accumulation. Veterinarians may also prescribe anti-nausea or anti-ulcer drugs.

    Diet

    • Owners should also alter their dogs' diets to maintain proper caloric intake and nutrition in cases of liver problems. Animals with reduced appetites may need higher calorie foods or even forced or tube feeding. Dogs with copper storage disease require a low copper diet, and most animals will need a vitamin and mineral supplement. Water soluble vitamin E supplementation may prevent further damage.

    Considerations

    • Since the liver is one of the primary organs that breaks down medication for use by the body, a heavily damaged liver may not be able to process medicine correctly. These medications may need to be given at a much lower dose than usual, as they will remain in the body for longer than they would in a healthy animal. Medications taken before the liver disease should also be given in reduced doses.

    Potential

    • S-adenosylmthionine, or SAMe, is a chemical normally produced by the liver, and is important to normal liver functioning. When offered as a supplement, it may help reduce damage or improve liver function. This relatively new treatment should be given on an empty stomach, and does carry some danger of throat and esophagus irritation.