Liver Treatment for Dogs

Chronic liver disease in dogs can result from exposure to infectious diseases, toxins, metabolic disorders or circulatory disorders. Treatment options are completely dependent on the underlying source of the liver disease. Before determining a course of treatment, a veterinarian will perform diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, urinalysis, biopsies, ultrasounds and x-rays to determine the cause of disease.

  1. Antibiotic Treatment

    • Antibiotic treatment is targeted at the bacteria responsible for the liver disease. Laboratory tests and bacterial cultures are necessary to determine the responsible pathogen before your vet makes a definitive antibiotic selection.

    Choleretic Treatment

    • Choleretic treatment takes advantage of ursodeoxycholic acid, which is known to increase liver bile production and aid in the elimination of toxic bile acids.

    Immunomodulatory Treatment

    • Immunomodulatory treatments are those that help to modify the immune system. Typical immune responses to liver damage include swelling and scar tissue production. Corticosteroids are used to limit the immune response. These drugs also help to promote increased liver bile production.

    Anticopper Medication

    • Dogs with chronic liver disease will often present with too much copper in their livers. Anticopper medicines work by bonding with the copper and forming a compound that is then excreted in the dog's feces.

    Nutrition, Antioxidants &Vitamins

    • Diets for dogs suffering from liver disease should include only high-quality protein. Your vet will often prescribe vitamins E and K to supplement the dog's regular diet. Antioxidants are also recommended as they reduce the amount of cellular stress and damage.

    Lactulose

    • Lactulose has several benefits during liver treatment. It makes the contents of the dog's intestines more acidic, aiding in ammonia excretion through the feces. Lactulose also acts as a laxative, further increasing ammonia excretion as well as bacterial excretion through the feces.

    Diuretic Treatment

    • Diuretic treatment of the dog is indicated if the underlying cause of the liver damage is unable to be treated. This treatment option helps keep the dog more comfortable.