How to Cure Liver Diseases in Dogs


The largest organ in the body is the liver, an indication of its importance in health. It is involved with almost all of the biochemical pathways that allow growth, fight disease, supply nutrients, provide energy, and aid reproduction. Liver cells, which are called hepatocytes, go through thousands of complex biochemical reactions every second in order to perform these myriad functions. Among the liver’s many responsibilities are blood detoxification, waste removal and bile production to aid digestion. This large gland is involved in just about every process in the body. As such, it is very resilient, with the ability to work even during the onset of liver disease in dogs. Our pets cannot talk to us, so it is important that you understand this disease as much as possible.

  • Removal of toxic agents. Identify and remove any drug or toxin which may potentially hurt the liver.
  • Rest and confinement. This will help divert body resources to the healing process at the liver and reduce discomfort caused by inflammation of the liver such as painful belly, nausea, malaise.

  • Dietary management: Extremely important. The goal is to provide all the necessary nutrients which may be lost due to failure of liver processing without overtaxing the liver with regards to processing of dietary intake. High levels of top quality protein to provide the essential amino acids in an easily digestible carrier which will not produce high levels of ammonia during digestion. Cottage cheese is good, meat tends to produce high levels of ammonia. High level carbohydrates to drive the metabolism of the body, essential fatty acids not less than 6% of the daily intake, and a good mineral and vitamin supplement. Force feeding may be necessary. If you opt for buying dog food be sure that it is a very high quality. We use a holistic dog food called “Great Life” that has a layer of raw food freeze dried on it. By adhering to an appropriate dietary therapy your dog has an excellent chance of improving and possibly recovering from liver disease
  • Control of ascites and water retention. Reduce sodium intake. Diuretics will help in resistant cases.
  • Control concurrent infections with antibiotics.
  • Deal with the concurrent medical problems as they crop up. Remember that the dog may develop bleeding problems, mal-absorption problems, and neurological problems. Each separate problem has to be dealt with both individually and as a part of the whole disease entity. Neurological symptoms such as coma need to be addressed aggressively with a combination of therapies.

Some types of liver disease are not curable, but with supportive care, the patient may still be able to live a comfortable, though shortened, life.

Filed Under: Pets & Animals

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About the Author: Fred Goodson has a passion for pets and animals. He has 4 dogs and is planning to have another one. He is also a blogger who writes about pets and animals. Currently, he is living in New Jersey.

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