Liver diseases

The liver is the largest gland. It takes part in all metabolic processes in the body of cats or dogs. Unfortunately, veterinarians note that the number of requests from owners with pets suffering from liver diseases is growing every year. Without proper treatment, the liver loses its functionality, and the pet dies. If you do not delay your visit to the clinic, it is possible to successfully stop pathological changes and significantly slow down their progress.

Types of liver diseases in cats and dogs

One of the most common diseases of the organ is hepatitis of chronic or acute form. Depending on the etiology, they are divided into several groups:

infectious,

invasive;

toxic;

reactive – formed against the background of lesions of other internal organs (pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, uterus).

Hepatoses are common in cats and dogs:

fatty hepatosis is characterized by accumulation of fats in cells (hepatocytes);

amyloidosis is accompanied by deposition of specific proteins in the intercellular space;

cirrhosis is a chronic process in which the structure of tissues changes, they are replaced by connective fibers.

In addition to liver pathologies directly, pets suffer from disorders of the biliary tract. Among them:

dyskinesia;

cholemia;

cholecystitis;

acholia;

cholelithiasis.

Malignant tumors of the gland are the most dangerous. Neoplasms can be primary or secondary – metastasized from the lungs, peritoneal organs, mammary glands or bones.

Causes of disease development

The main risk factors for development of liver pathologies are:

improper nutrition (smoked meats, fats in large quantities, sweets are especially harmful);

autoimmune abnormalities;

endocrine disorders;

infections;

diabetes mellitus;

intoxication with poisons, medicines, household chemicals;

helminth infestation;

fatness;

age-related changes.

Liver disease can provoke circulatory disorders caused by cardiological problems.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

In order to promptly notice signs of illness in your pet, you need to carefully monitor its state. The insidiousness of liver diseases lies in the almost asymptomatic course in the early stages.

The owner should pay attention to such changes in the animal's condition as:

 oss of appetite (up to complete refusal of food);

jaundice of gums, skin, and eye whites;

darkening of urine;

vomiting;

sudden weight loss;

diarrhea;

increased thirst;

weakness, depression, refusal to play;

excessive salivation;

changing the color of feces to whitish or light gray;

skin itching.

The listed symptoms are not very specific, they may indicate a variety of disorders in the body. Additional examinations will be required to differentiate liver pathologies:

 general blood test, biochemical blood test;

examination of urine, feces;

ultrasound;

X-ray of the abdominal cavity.

Only after receiving the analysis results will the veterinarian diagnose the specific problem and prescribe the optimal course of therapy.

Pet Treatment

Recovery of the gland in any disease begins with nutritional correction. The pet is recommended to eat a low-fat diet. In some cases, a low-protein diet is required.

Medications are selected individually, depending on the type of pathology and the main symptoms:

enterosorbents are prescribed to reduce intoxication;

choleretics are necessary for cholestasis;

antibiotics and corticosteroids are needed in case of an inflammatory or autoimmune nature of the disorder.

Attention: any medicine for a cat or dog is allowed to be given only as prescribed by a veterinarian! Self-medication is dangerous for the pet's life.

To improve functionality and accelerate the recovery of tissue structure, the pets are recommended to be given hepatoprotectors.

 Apicenna products have proven themselves to be good:

Hepatoject effectively reduces the level of ammonia in the blood. The only product of this group in Russia, available in the form of an injection solution;

Hepatovet Active is a suspension for oral administration. The active substances of the feed additive contribute to the restoration of liver cells, stimulate local metabolic processes.

Both drugs are suitable for treatment of cats and dogs. The dosage is calculated by the weight of the animal, it must be strictly observed, unless a different administration regimen is prescribed by the attending physician.

Chronic liver disease cannot be cured. To prevent negative complications, you need to provide your pet with a balanced, therapeutic diet. Do not neglect annual veterinary preventive examinations.