| Canine Liver Disease, a little knowledge could save | | | | genetically inherent in certain breeds such as |
| your dogs life | | | | American and English cocker spaniels and West |
| By John Deeprose | | | | Highland terriers |
| Canine liver disease is the 5th leading cause of | | | | · Inbreeding |
| non-accidental death amongst man's best friend. Just | | | | · Prolonged use of some drugs such as |
| having a little knowledge of this common, but little | | | | cortisone, steroids, anti-convulsants, parasite control |
| written about, condition could save the life of your | | | | drugs and some antibiotics. |
| family pet. | | | | Common symptoms of liver disease in dogs include: |
| When my West Highland Terrier Joe was diagnosed | | | | · Jaundice - Eyes, Gums and skin turn a yellowy |
| with a liver condition, I found to my angst that much | | | | color |
| of his suffering could have been avoided had I | | | | · Vomiting, this may or may not be accompanied |
| known the signs to look for and steps that I could | | | | by blood |
| have taken early on to aid his full recovery. | | | | · Diarreah, again this may or may not be |
| Fortunately Joe is now, thanks to a few simple | | | | accompanied by blood |
| changes in his lifestyle, back on track to being the | | | | · Urinary changes may occur such as frequent |
| bouncy little scamp he was prior to his diagnosis. | | | | urination and increased thirst. Urine may turn orange |
| Simply put, liver disease is a general term used to | | | | · Stools may be pale grey, orange or even |
| describe any medical disorder of the liver. The liver is | | | | yellow in color |
| responsible for removing toxins from your dog's | | | | · Depression or lethargy - your dog may seem |
| bloodstream and can amazingly still perform this | | | | withdrawn and apathetic |
| function with up to 75-80% of it affected by | | | | · Other behavioural changes such as aimless |
| disease. The downside of this incredible statistic is | | | | pacing around and circling |
| that damage is consequently well advanced by the | | | | · Swollen belly |
| time many diagnoses are made. | | | | Diet plays a major part in allowing your dogs liver to |
| Common Causes of liver disease in dogs include: | | | | regenerate itself, as it is the liver that processes your |
| · Exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals such | | | | pet's food and drink intake. |
| as insecticides, lead, phosphorus and iron | | | | Foods to be avoided to keep your dogs liver healthy |
| · Infections such as chronic ear and skin | | | | include sugar, chocolate, fried or grilled meat and |
| infections and other infections elsewhere in the body. | | | | bones, onion, red and green peppers and tomatoes. |
| · Hepatitis | | | | Fresh distilled water is preferable to tap water. |
| · Common Dental infections | | | | It is also a good tip to use stainless steel food and |
| · Inherent liver disease is commonly more | | | | drinking bowls instead of plastic ones. |