(Hepatic Encephalopathy & Ascites)
The liver performs more than 1,500 vital functions. All of these functions are marred to varying degrees in dogs with liver disease. Some of the most important functions are the regulation of blood levels of glucose, amino acids, and some trace minerals, the neutralization of waste products in the blood stream, and the production of blood proteins important for health. With afflicted liver function, minerals such as copper may cumulate in, and be toxic to, the liver cells.
The clinical signs of liver disease include excessive drinking, urinating more frequently, vomiting, and weight loss. Fluid may also cumulate in the abdomen (ascites). Some dogs with liver disease will develop signs of abnormal mentation and neurological dysfunction (hepatic encephallopathy), particularly if they eat a high protein meal.
Nutritional support in liver disease is based on varying the nutrient intake to optimize the function of the liver, to protect against ongoing damage to the liver cells, to provide nutrients to help the liver to repair, and to minimize the complications of liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
For a natural approach to combating liver disease in your dog check out this resource at Heal Your Dog Naturally.
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