Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, seizures and other neurological problems, fever, blood clotting problems, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes). Gastrointestinal bleeding can be seen in animals with liver disease due to ulcers or blood clotting problems. Understanding the possible causes of each of these signs will help your veterinarian diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment. Various blood tests help detect and diagnose liver disease.
X-rays and ultrasounds help veterinarians determine liver size and detect abnormalities, gallstones, and gallbladder disease. If an underlying cause is identified, your veterinarian will prescribe specific treatments. For long-term or end-stage liver disease, and for acute liver disease with no identified underlying cause, supportive care slows disease progression, minimizes complications, and allows time for liver regeneration. The diet normally recommended for dogs with liver disease should contain enough calories to maintain a normal weight.
It manufactures proteins that are necessary for various bodily functions such as blood clotting. Low potassium and low vitamin B levels are common complications of liver disease, and supplementation is often recommended. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for vitamin supplementation, as overdosing on some vitamins can be harmful. Immediate veterinary attention is important to support the liver until it regenerates and compensates for the damage.
Any underlying cause of liver failure should be identified and treated if present. Another goal of therapy is the prevention or treatment of neurological complications of liver failure. Complications of liver disease The liver has several functions, including removing many toxins from the bloodstream and producing blood-clotting proteins. .