Liver Disease in Dogs
Liver Disease in Dogs Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on liver disease in dogs including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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The liver is a large, dark red organ located in the front part of the abdomen, just behind the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the physical partition between the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. Conditions relating to the liver are called “hepatic” conditions, much like those affecting the kidneys are called “renal” conditions. “Liver disease” is a very general term used to describe any type of liver disorder.There is no one cause of canine liver disease.
The liver executes some of the most complex and vital functions in a dog’s body. It metabolizes fats, carbohydrates and proteins and is involved in the production of essential blood clotting factors. It synthesizes a number of key enzymes and helps remove ammonia from the bloodstream. The liver also stores vitamins and minerals and aids in the digestion and detoxification of circulating wastes, drugs and poisons.The clinical signs of liver disease (medically referred to as
Liver disease in domestic dogs is a serious medical condition, but it is not necessarily a death sentence. Because the liver is involved in so many diverse bodily functions, the attending veterinarian is likely to recommend a battery of initial tests to assess the condition of the patient’s liver. If the results of those tests suggest liver disease, more advance tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis definitively. The liver is an amazing organ
The liver is unique in that it has a large reserve capacity and more regenerative capability than almost any other organ. As a result, canine liver disease typically can be treated, or at least managed, if a diagnosis is made early. Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. The goals of treating liver disease are to eliminate harmful toxins (or minimize their detrimental effects on the liver), promote healing and regeneration of