Canine Liver Disease

Canine liver disease is the fifth leading cause of death not accidental to the best friend of man. Just having a little knowledge of this common but little literature on the state, could save the lives of your family pet

When my West Highland Terrier Joe was diagnosed with liver disease, I found

my anxiety that many of his suffering could have been avoided if I knew what signs to look for and steps that I might very soon using his full recovery. Fortunately, Joe is now, thanks to a few simple changes in lifestyle on the way to being the bouncy little scamp he was prior to his diagnosis.

In other words, a disease of the liver is a general term used to describe any other medical disorder of the liver. The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood of your dog and can amazingly still perform this function up to 75-80% of it affected by the disease. The downside to this amazing statistic is that damage is consequently well advanced by the time diagnosis is made much.

Common causes of liver disease in dogs include:

· The exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals such as insecticides, lead, phosphorus and iron

Infections ° as chronic ear and skin infections and other infections in the rest of the body.

· Hepatitis

· Ground dental infections

· Liver disease is usually more inherent genetically inherent in certain breeds like the American and English cocker spaniels and West Highland Terrier

· The inbreeding

· A prolonged use of certain medications such as cortisone, steroids, anticonvulsants, drugs to control parasites and certain antibiotics.

Common symptoms of liver disease in dogs include:

° Yellow - Eyes, gums and skin yellowing

· Vomiting, which may or may not be accompanied by blood

· Diarreah again which may or may not be accompanied by blood

Alterations of urine can occur as frequent urination and increased thirst. The urine may become orange

· Stools may be pale gray, orange or even yellow

· Depression or lethargy - your dog may seem withdrawn and apathetic

· Other behavioral changes such as boosting aimlessly around and indirect

· Swollen belly

Nutrition plays a major role in allowing your dogs liver to regenerate, as is the liver that turns your pet food and drink intake.

Foods to avoid to keep your dogs liver healthy include sugar, chocolate, fried or grilled meat and bones, onion, red and green peppers and tomatoes.

Fresh distilled water is preferable to tap water.

It is also a good tip to use stainless steel food and water bowls instead of plastic ones.

It is of course your local expert veterinarian must perform the necessary tests and diagnose liver disease in your dog, but being aware of common symptoms and actively control your pet, you can play a part in ensuring that treatment can start a little as possible

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