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 The | | | | seem withdrawn and apathetic |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