Denes Fact Sheet no.15:

LIVER DISEASE

LIVER DISEASE IN DOGS and CATS

The liver is the largest organ in the body and is situated in the abdomen, just behind the diaphragm. It has a number of important functions that are vital to wellbeing and general health.

The liver is involved in:

The storage of fat, carbohydrates and vitamins A, D, K, and B12.
The manufacture of proteins and in their breakdown, producing urea, which is transported to the kidneys for excretion.
The manufacture of glucose from glycogen, which is stored in the liver.
Fat metabolism.
The production and excretion of bile, which is involved in the process of digestion.
The breakdown and excretion of drugs, poisons and similar substances.
The immune system, as cells in the liver help remove toxins, bacteria and cellular debris.

THE CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASE

Liver problems are relatively common in older animals but are by no means restricted to this age group. Anatomical abnormalities of the liver are rare but can cause very serious problems in young animals. There are a number of infectious causes of liver disease, including canine viral hepatitis and Leptospirosis, both of which can be prevented by vaccination. Non-specific bacterial infections include those entering via the bile duct, causing jaundice, abdominal pain and a rise in temperature. Poisons can also damage the liver and interfere with its function. With age, there is a gradual reduction in the liver's ability to cope and when the reserve capacity of the liver is fully utilised, then symptoms of liver disease will appear.

SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DISEASE

Symptoms vary, but may include:

Depression
Lethargy
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Periodic vomiting
Increase in thirst
Jaundice

Where liver disease is advanced, a fluid build-up within the abdomen may be apparent. This is called ascites and can result in the abdomen appearing to swell up. Other signs of advanced liver disease include anaemia and a tendency to bleed easily, as clotting factors are not produced.

THE DIAGNOSIS OF LIVER DISEASE

Careful examination, together with details of the symptoms, may lead your vet to suspect a liver problem. In many cases, further investigations may need to be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and help decide on the best course of action.

The most common form of investigation involves taking a blood sample to check on various enzyme levels, which can provide useful information on liver function and the extent of any damage. Other less frequent investigations include estimation of bile acids, liver biopsy and X-rays.

THE MANAGEMENT OF LIVER PROBLEMS

Fortunately, the liver is able to repair itself and in many instances, with the correct treatment and dietary management, there is a good prognosis. Treatment varies with the nature of the problem but usually involves reducing the stress and workload on the liver to give it a chance to recover. Poisons and other damaging substances, including some drugs, should be eliminated if possible.

DIET AND LIVER DISEASE

Diet is of major importance in the control and treatment of liver disease and should be aimed at reducing the workload of the liver. The ideal diet should:

Have the optimum quantities of protein, carbohydrate, fats, vitamins and minerals
Contain quality protein sources such as chicken, fish and egg
Contain high quality fats, although in some instances a low fat diet is necessary
Provide easily digestible carbohydrates as an energy source
Have lower levels of both phosphorus and sodium, compared to the average diet
Be free from artificial additives. Many of these compounds need to be processed by the liver before they can be eliminated by the body

There are several Denes recipes which may help in the management of liver conditions. All Denes recipes are free from artificial additives such as colourings, flavourings and preservatives.

Dog foods - canned

Senior With Chicken, Lamb & Rice
Senior With Turkey, Rabbit & Rice

These recipes are low in protein, fat and sodium

Cat food - canned

Older With Turkey & Lamb

This recipe is low in protein

If you are unsure if these recipes are suitable, it would be best to check with your vet. A more detailed nutritional breakdown is available:

HERBAL REMEDIES IN THE TREATMENT OF LIVER PROBLEMS

Herbal medicines have always played a traditional role in the treatment of liver problems. Two of the most prominent herbs are:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) This has long been one of the most useful herbs, stimulating liver function, increasing the flow of bile, helping relieve jaundice, increasing appetite and cleansing the body of toxins.
Milk Thistle Seeds (Silybum marianum/Carduus marianus) This is a prominent liver herb with good background research supporting its benefits to the liver. It stimulates liver function, helps protect the cells of the liver from damage, helps repair damaged liver cells and promotes the flow of bile. It will also help improve and regulate the digestion and help the body to eliminate toxins.

There are two Denes products that can help with the treatment of liver disease:

Denes Milk Thistle Plus Tablets

Denes Milk Thistle Plus Tablets which contain Dandelion and Milk Thistle both of which support the liver.

Denes Greenleaf Tablets

Greenleaf Tablets are based on stinging nettles, which have a mild diuretic effect. The main action is one of cleansing the whole body, helping eliminate the toxins that can accumulate when the liver is not functioning well. Nettles also contain iron, which is needed if anaemia is present.

Both of these medicines can be used alongside conventional medicines prescribed by your vet.

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