When your dog's liver begins to fail, it struggles to break down and eliminate toxins. Switching to a high-quality, high-protein dog food with no preservatives will reduce stress placed on the liver. To help improve liver function, you can also add medications and supplements to your dog's diet.
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Symptoms
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Liver disorders have a variety of symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination, weight loss, seizures and behavioral changes. The cause and symptoms of your dog's liver disease will affect which treatment is recommended.
Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids are prescribed for certain types of liver disease to decrease inflammation, improve appetite and increase injury. However, high doses can cause liver disease, so use only when prescribed by your veterinarian.
Nausea Medication
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Sucralfate and cimetidine are often prescribed to dogs with liver disease to reduce nausea, vomiting, stomach ulcers and lesions in the small intestine, which can all be caused by liver disease.
Additional Medication
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Your dog also may be prescribed antibiotics to treat secondary infections, diuretics or medications that reduce copper in the liver, such as penicillamine and zinc acetate.
Antioxidants
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No matter what the cause of liver disease, antioxidants are an important part of cleansing the body to reduce strain on your dog's liver. SAMe is an antioxidant used in liver support medication such as Denamarin, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Herbal Medications
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Milk thistle has been used effectively for liver restoration for more than 2,000 years. Other herbal remedies include silymarin, burdock, greater celadine, kalium muriaticum, natrium phosphate and natrium sulphate.
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