Owner’s Guide To Liver Disease In Canines
One of the most important organs in your dog’s body is the liver. It is involved in virtually every biochemical process in your dog’s body. This is why disease of the liver is such a serious problem. Keep reading to learn all about liver disease in dogs.
Causes
There are many different causes of liver disease in canines. Blunt trauma to the liver can certainly lead to disease. Getting hit by a car is a common example. Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections can also cause liver disease. Liver disease can also result if heartworms block bloodflow to the liver. This condition causes various signs.
Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, the liver is involved in about every biochemical process. Liver disease can lead to problems with others areas of your dog’s body. Therefore, this disease leads to unpredictable signs. Fortunately, the liver has a lot of reserve capacity, so it can function with up to 80 percent damage. Unfortunately, this means signs don’t appear until the disease has already advanced.
Dogs with liver disease suffer abdominal pain recurrently. Various gastrointestinal signs are also common. They include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It’s also common for there to be constipation in canines. If bile isn’t processed by the liver properly, your dog’s stool will be gray. Other dogs also suffer from weight loss, increased drinking and urination, and jaundice.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of canine liver disease involves a urinalysis, complete blood count, and chemistry screen. It’s also possible for your dog to need an x-ray of his abdomen. The x-ray will allow the vet to detect any abnormalities in the liver. In some cases, the vet may elect to perform an ultrasound. A biopsy of the liver is the most definitive method of diagnosis. This involves removing a piece of the organ surgically or with a biopsy needle. The liver is capable of regeneration, so any removed piece won’t cause any problems.
Treatment
The specific treatment for your dog depends on damage severity and underlying cause. Since toxic substances can cause damage to the organ, they will need to be removed. Your dog may also need to be placed on a special diet. Hopefully, the diet will allow the liver to rest by decreasing its workload. Secondary infections can become a problem. Therefore, antibiotics may be needed.
All owners should know their pet can fall victim to various health problems in their lifetime. You can read up on many different potential health problems at dog-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.
Find important tips for house train dog - this is your individual guide.
