Liver Disease
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In many cases of liver disease, specific treatment is unavailable. Treatment is mainly supportive and symptomatic, such as administering subcutaneous (SQ) or intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration, providing adequate nutrition, and giving medications to control vomiting.
Medications
The type of medications given depend on the cause and extent of the liver damage. The liver is one of the main organs that breaks down medications. If the liver is not functioning correctly, medications often need to be given at lower doses since they remain in the body for a longer period of time. This includes those medications the pet may have been taking prior to the liver disease.
Corticosteroids are used in certain cases of liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis, to decrease inflammation and scarring. They also stimulate the appetite and promote an overall feeling of well-being. High doses of corticosteroids can actually cause liver disease; do not give corticosteroids to a pet with liver disease except under the direct supervision of your veterinarian.
Antibiotics are used in cases of infection or if the patient is at risk of a secondary infection.
Penicillamine and zinc acetate are used in the treatment of copper storage disease to reduce the amount of copper in the liver.
Medications may be indicated to help decrease nausea or vomiting caused by the liver disease, or to prevent ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. Examples of these medications include sucralfate and cimetidine.
Ascites is treated with a diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix). Left untreated, ascites will cause difficulty breathing as it puts pressure on the diaphragm.
Dehydration and changes in electrolytes need to be prevented with the use of IV or SQ fluids and electrolyte supplements such as potassium.
Diet and supplements
For many liver diseases, diets may need to be altered to maintain proper nutrition and caloric intake. Specific diets may be recommended depending on the diagnosis. Some animals may have reduced appetites or refuse to eat. In these cases, the pet may need to be force-fed with a syringe or a feeding tube will need to be placed.
Dogs with copper storage disease need to be placed on a special diet low in copper.
A daily vitamin and mineral supplement is often advised for pets with liver disease to help prevent deficiencies. If copper storage disease is diagnosed, this supplement should not contain any copper.
Supplemental vitamin K may be necessary to help control bleeding disorders, since a diseased liver produces and stores less of this vitamin which is necessary for the liver to produce clotting factors.
Vitamin E is given as an anti-oxidant to remove free radicals and prevent further oxidative injury to the liver. A water-soluble form of vitamin E is preferable, since the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may be decreased in some forms of liver disease.
A newer therapy for the treatment of liver disease is S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Normally produced by the liver, SAMe is necessary for many functions of liver cells. It is available as a dietary supplement.
Summary
Some types of liver disease are not curable, but with supportive care, the patient may still be able to live a comfortable, though shortened, life.
References and Further Reading
Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 5th Ed. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia; 2000.
Leveille-Webster, CR; Center, SA. Chronic Hepatitis: Therapeutic Considerations. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XII Small Animal Practice. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia; 1995.
LaFlamme, DP. Nutritional Management of Liver Disease. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia; 2000.
Weiss, DJ; Armstrong, PJ; Gagne, JM. Feline Cholangiohepatitis. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII Small Animal Practice. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia; 2000.
Center, S (moderator). New approach to managing hepatic dysfunction. Veterinary Forum. 2000 (December); 44-49.
Urinary Tract Infections
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Author: Grant Eckert
Just like having a child, owning a dog is a great responsibility. Not only is this dog dependent on your food and for water, but they are also dependent on you for the proper health care. In order to be the best owner you can, you need to learn about some of the more common health problems that can occur with your dog. This will allow you to spot problems before they become too serious, saving not only your dog, but also your rising veterinarian costs. Urinary tract infections are commonplace in some breeds of dogs - here's what you need know.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
Just as with any disease, when bacteria get into the body and reproduce without being stopped, it can lead to an infection. When too many bacteria somehow get into the urinary tract of a dog, this can lead to a urinary tract infection. This is seen more often in female dogs than male dogs because they have a shorter urethra and thus bacteria can accumulate here more rapidly.
There are a number of places where the bacteria can also accumulate in dogs. For females, it's in their vaginal area while for males the prostate area can hold bacteria. When this bacteria is then somehow transferred to the urethra and into the urinary tract.
Also known as a UTI or acute cystitis, a urinary tract infection is not necessarily harmful to a dog in the early stages. And in many cases, a dog will have a UTI for a long time without any symptoms. In other situations, the infection may also resolve on its own without any medical intervention.
But if a urinary tract infection is left alone for too long, it can cause a more severe infection in the dog, often moving to other organs and causing the dog to become very ill. It's best that any signs of a urinary tract infection by checked by a licensed vet to be sure that your dog doesn't require treatment.
What are the Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection?
Since a dog can not tell you their symptoms, it's up to you to keep your eyes open for signs of a urinary tract infection. These signs can include:
* Blood in the urine
* Fatigue and lethargy
* Fever
* Foul smelling urine
* Straining when urinating
* Tender lower stomach area
* Urinating in inappropriate places
If you should notice any changes in your dog's urination habits, it might be a good idea to have them checked by a veterinarian. You know your dog best, so even the slightest change in behavior might be an indicator of something wrong.
As a responsible dog owner, it's best to watch your dog's urination habits anyway to be sure they are staying well hydrated.
How Will a Urinary Tract Infection be Treated?
When you take your dog into the vet's office, they will have to get a urine sample in order to test for bacteria. If you can do this beforehand, that's ideal, making sure not to contaminate the sample with your fingers or with any dirt from the dog.
If the urine tests positive for bacteria or for blood, the vet will then begin a course of antibiotic treatment to help the infection resolve. This treatment can last up to ten days and may require additional medications if the first round of medicine doesn't work.
It's very important that the dog receive all of the prescribed medication as instructed by the vet. If your dog should have troubles with the medication, refuse to take it, or have an upset stomach, be sure to talk to your vet about alternatives.
You will also want to remember that human medications like antibiotics are not necessarily in the right doses for dogs, so you should never give them antibiotics from your shelf or try any alternative treatments with a vet's approval.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection?
While a urinary tract infection is common, that doesn't mean that there aren't ways to help prevent its occurrence. Here are some simple ways to make sure bacteria stays out and away from your dog:
* Bathe your dog regularly
* Make sure that your dog is drinking ample amounts of clean water each day
* Take your dog out every few hours to allow them to urinate regularly and prevent the buildup of bacteria in their bladder
* Make sure to walk your dog regularly as this stimulates the bladder
Your dog may have a urinary tract infection at one point in their life, no matter what you do. But knowing what to look out for and how to minimize the risk will help you keep your dog as healthy as possible. Visit our Community Group on Urinary Tract Infections