Liver disease and congestive heart failure are two common illnesses that many dogs suffer from. While they mostly occur in older pets, the diseases can plague almost any dog. Although both ailments may not be curable, there are steps you can take to make your pet more comfortable.
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The Facts
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There are many different diseases that can affect the liver. Some of the most common include acute hepatic failure, in which liver cells die and the liver can no longer function appropriately; hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, in which fat accumulates within the liver; and copper storage disease, a genetic disease caused by too much copper inside the liver.
Heart failure is caused by an abnormality in the structure of the heart that disables it from pumping normal quantities of blood to tissue in the body. When this occurs, fluid will often accumulate in the lungs and body cavities, leading to congestive heart failure.
Causes
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Liver disease can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, parasites, environmental stresses, toxins, pancreatitis, cancer, trauma and infection. Additionally, dogs with Cushing's and copper storage diseases are also prone to developing liver disease.
A few of the causes of congestive heart failure include birth defects of the heart, degeneration of the heart valves and arrhythmia. Furthermore, heartworm, heart muscle and pericardium diseases are also contributing factors.
Symptoms
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There are many symptoms your pet could show if he is developing a liver disease. Often, he will drink more, eat less, lose weight, have diarrhea, vomit or become jaundiced. He may also display behavior changes; have gray-white, soft feces; or exhibit abdominal distention or intolerance to anesthesia.
Some of the symptoms of congestive heart failure are related to increased activity in the nervous system and circulating hormones and chemicals in the body. These symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue and weight loss.
Diagnoses
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Most likely, your veterinarian will first perform a physical examination on your pet, although, generally, the best way to determine if your dog has liver disease is through blood work and urine tests. Your vet will most likely look at the alanine aminotransferase, asparte aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin and bilirubin levels to determine if your pet has liver disease. She may also recommend radiographs, ultrasounds and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
If your veterinarian is suspicious of congestive heart failure, she will first listen to the heart and breathing sounds with a stethoscope. She may then take chest radiographs, blood pressure, an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram.
Treatment
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The treatment of liver disease is generally supportive, that is, administering intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to prevent dehydration, providing adequate nutrition and administering medication to prevent vomiting. Sometimes, additional drugs are given. Corticosteroids can be prescribed to decrease inflammation and scarring, antibiotics can be used to prevent or help infection and penicillamine and zinc acetate are often given in copper storage disease cases. Additionally, special diets and supplements are often recommended to help patients with liver disease.
The treatment of congestive heart failure depends upon the underlying cause of the disease. Initially, your pet may need to stay in the hospital and undergo oxygen therapy and receive nitroglycerin paste and diuretic drugs, such as Lasix, to eliminate the extra fluid. In severe cases, the veterinarian may need to drain the fluid from the chest. Once your pet is stable, long-term therapy may consist of taking an angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor, such as enalapril or benazepril; making dietary changes or taking dietary supplements; and using digoxin.
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