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Dog Health Liver

Dog health liver or liver disease dog is relatively common disease in older dogs. A liver disease issue in dog is sometimes hard to diagnose as it's symptoms are similar to other dog diseases.

Unlike liver disease in people, which is often caused by alcoholism, liver disease can happen in many animals, dogs included. It is important to keep notice of the symptoms below.

I found this instant question box, so you can ask your question (perhaps your vet is closed), so you can find out more detailed information now before going to the vet or even save yourself a vet visit!

Liver disease issue in dog is found most often in the older canines.

The symptoms for liver disease dog can be varied and not readily evident in the early stages, the classic symptom of liver disease are:

• Jaundice - (gums and the whites of their eyes become yellowish)
• Decreased appetite,
• Weight loss,
• Excess urination (polyuria),
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia),
• Depression,
• Lethargy,
• Weakness or confusion,
• Distended abdomen, which can be caused by liver enlargement or the retention of fluids,
• Grey or light coloured Stool (feces),
• Dark yellow or orange-y urine (pee),
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting,
• Convulsions (could be advanced liver disease)

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian so they can make an accurate diagnosis so they can fully diagnose and begin treatment.

Causes - Dog Health Liver

Liver disease dog can be caused by many things such as:

• Medications such as Acetominophen, epilepsy or worming meds.
• Bacterial infections such as Leptospirosis from wild animals
• Fungal infections
• Parasites that affect the liver
• Genetics - they may have been born with a sick liver but it didn't show up earlier.
• Hepatitis - several kinds exist in dogs.
• Cancer of the liver
• Tuberculosis

Treatment - Dog Health Liver

Treating or management of liver diseased dog is very possible since the liver is a very regenerative organ (it can have part of it cut off and then it will re-grow new liver!).

Treatment really depends on the underlying cause, but because the livers job is to remove toxins, any hard to digest foods need to be eliminated from your pups diet.

Treatments include:

• Diet Management
• Medication such as steroids, antibiotics, plus a few others (although meds are usually avoided as it is the liver that breaks them down for use)
• IV fluids
• Blood transfusions
• Surgery
• Rest and Confinement

Natural Liver Disease Treatment Dog

There are several natural herbs that can be used in treating liver disease, however before you use any of these, make sure that you take your dog to the vets, or a natural vet if that is your preference.

These herbs are:

• Burdock Root - it is good for blood purification and detoxifying the liver.
• Dandelion - helps release bile from the liver into the gallbladder, which helps the body to breakdown fat easier.
• Milk Thistle - helps to detoxify, and heal the liver.
• Celandine - helps cleanse the liver.

Please keep in mind that whan a natural liver disease treatment is desired, that you consult with your veterinarian (or natural vet) for the right natural substance. Don't be your pets vet!

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