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| your dog's bloodstream and can amazingly | | | | seem withdrawn and apathetic |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