subject: Secrets About Liver Disease In Canines [print this page] The liver is an organ that is responsible for various functions in the body. So, if it isn't working correctly, then your dog may experience many different health problems. Canine liver disease is one of the top five leading causes of death in dogs. Usually, older dogs are affected. But younger puppies can develop this disease too.
Liver disease usually develops because your dog has some other underlying health condition. Pancreatitis, anemia, and hepatitis are some of the most common conditions to blame. Parasites such as heartworms can also cause liver disease in dogs. Another common reason is ingestion of toxins or chemicals.
Sometimes, medications can lead to canine liver disease. Dogs also can't break down fat properly. Therefore, liver disease can develop if dogs eat a lot of fatty foods. Dogs that have cancer or diabetes may also have problems with the liver.
In its early stages, you may not notice many symptoms of liver disease. Once diseases do appear, they include lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Your dog's abdominal region may also swell. If you happen to touch his abdominal area, you may notice that he is in pain.
Your dog's liver is responsible for carrying out many different functions as you have already read. It produces bile pigments that give feces and urine its color. Liver disease, your dogs and urine will be orange and his feces gray. Jaundice can also occur.
It is hard to diagnose liver disease in its early stages. Dogs can very easily die from this disease since it's usually not caught early. In order to diagnose it, the vet will need to take a medical history and perform a physical exam.
The vet may also order that your dog undergoes a urinalysis. He may take an x-ray of the abdomen or an ultrasound of the liver if he suspects disease. A liver biopsy may also be performed.
The underlying condition will need to be dealt with in order to treat this condition in dogs. If your dog has suffered some type of trauma, he will need to be hospitalized so he can recover. Antibiotics will be used to treat bacterial infections. If your dog has any other underlying conditions, then the vet will need to treat them too for the liver will heal.
A special diet will also benefit dogs that have liver disease. All owners need to pay attention to what their dog is eating. Feeding him a proper diet will minimize the liver's workload.
by: D Swain
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