What Causes Liver Problems In Dogs?
Your dog’s liver is an essential organ. It aids digestion and blood coagulation and removes toxins from their system. It might make your companion sick if it isn’t operating correctly. However, liver disease is frequently treatable and manageable.
The liver may not appear to be much—but don’t be misled; the liver is as essential to life as any organ.
Because of its vital function in the body, the liver is vulnerable to a broad range of disorders that can endanger the health of dogs; therefore, owners must be informed of the indications and causes of liver illness to maintain their pets in good health! So, you are wondering: “how can I help my dog with a liver problem?” In this post, we’ll share with you some of the main liver problems in dogs and how to go about treating them as soon as possible.
An Overview
The liver expands and enlarges in dogs’ early stages of liver disease. Then, the liver cells die and are replaced by scar tissue as the condition advances.
The liver becomes rubbery and stiff as a result. Cirrhosis is the medical term for this illness, which is irreversible. However, before reaching this fatal state, the liver can recover from injury and mend itself to the point where your dog’s liver function is normal.
This is achievable if adequate therapy is started as soon as possible; the amount of recovery is determined by the source of the liver injury. Before the liver begins to deteriorate, eighty percent of its cells must die.
The Causative Agents of Liver Problems
What causes liver diseases in dogs? Infectious agents or toxins are the most common causative agants of dog liver failure.
Also, the inadequate flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), hepatotoxic medicines or chemicals, and excessive heat exposure. As a result, necrosis (tissue death) occurs, resulting in the loss of liver enzymes and reduced liver function, eventually leading to organ failure.
The liver problem in dogs can also arise due to widespread metabolic problems in protein synthesis (albumin, transport protein, procoagulant, and anticoagulant protein components), glucose absorption, and metabolic detoxification. If not treated quickly, this illness can be fatal.
Treating Liver Problems In Dogs
If your dog exhibits signs of liver disease, your veterinarian may inquire about their food and medicines. In addition, the doctor may order blood tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to determine what is wrong with your dog’s liver. They may also wish to perform a biopsy, which removes a tiny tissue sample for examination.
The ideal treatment for your dog will determine how quickly you identify the problem and what caused it. But, first, a veterinarian will need to examine the liver to determine the extent of the damage.
- Dietary adjustments are frequently beneficial. For example, your dog may require a particular diet to ensure they get the nutrients and calories that its liver needs.
- SAM-E and milk thistle supplements may aid in liver recovery.
- Antibiotics are used to treat liver infections. You may also need to adjust or lower the dosage of your dog’s other medications.
- For dogs with tumors or cysts, surgery may be an option.
- Cooperate with your veterinarian to control the condition and avoid liver failure.
How to Prevent Liver Problems in Dogs
You may assist your dog by detecting liver illness early and implementing tiny modifications before it worsens. Then, please bring them to the veterinarian for yearly examinations and immunizations (including one that protects against leptospirosis).
Ensure your veterinarian is aware of any medications or supplements they take. Take care of what you give your dog. For example, fatty meals can be harmful to their liver. Also, don’t allow your dog to run loose in regions where dangerous plants or insects may be present.
Avoiding medications containing potentially toxic hepatotoxins will help prevent acute liver failure. However, there are alternative ways to keep dogs’ livers healthy.
- Keep dangerous chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, insecticides, chemical cleansers, and antifreeze away from your dogs.
- Know which foods might be hazardous to your dog and keep them out of reach.
- Never give your dog over-the-counter drugs without first consulting your veterinarian.
- To avoid overdosing, always follow the directions for any drugs provided for your dog.
- Allow your dog to drink from contaminated or stagnant water sources that might harbor germs.
HOW CAN WE ASSIST
If you are worried that your dog may have liver disease or is exhibiting signs, please get in touch with us immediately. If you want to schedule an appointment for your pet, please contact Safari Regenerative Therapy.