Your pet has been diagnosed with liver
disease. This information is provided by
your veterinarian to help you understand the
disease and give your pet the best home
care. With proper nutrition and medical
attention, your pet can live a longer,
healthier life.
WHAT IS LIVER DISEASE?
The liver is the
largest internal organ in a pet's body. With
approximately 1,500 functions, the liver
plays a central role in digestion and
conversion of nutrients, removal of toxic
substances, synthesis of key components of
the blood and storage of vitamins and
minerals. The term "liver disease" covers a
wide range of conditions in which the liver
is functioning at less than peak efficiency.
HEALTHY VS. DISEASED
LIVER
CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASE
Because there are many
possible causes of liver disease, a specific
diagnosis may be difficult. Some causes
include, but are not limited to:
-
Viral and
bacterial infections
-
Poisonous
substances and drugs ingested by the pet
-
Altered blood flow
to the liver due to heart disease or a
congenital or acquired abnormality
-
Breed tendencies
(certain breeds, such as Bedlingtons and
West Highland White Terriers, do not
excrete copper properly; others, such as
Siamese cats and Cocker Spaniels are
more likely to develop liver diseases)
In cats, simply not
eating for two or three days may result in a
life-threatening disease called Feline
Hepatic Lipidosis. If your cat does not eat
for even a day, contact your veterinarian.
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis occurs when fat
levels in the liver are very high and begin
to overwhelm the liver's ability to
function. This problem is not fully
understood, but your veterinarian can
evaluate the severity of the disease and
prescribe the best method of management.
SIGNS OF LIVER DISEASE
The more common signs
of liver disease in adult dogs and cats
include:
-
Lack of appetite
and weight loss
-
Depression (lack
of energy or decreased interest in usual
routines)
-
Jaundice
(yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
-
Increased thirst
-
Dark colored urine
-
Buildup of fluid
in abdomen (may be mistaken for weight
gain)
-
Pale gums
HOME CARE
-
Watch for signs of
illness. If they appear, contact your
veterinarian.
-
Follow your
veterinarian's instructions carefully
for feeding and medicating your pet.
-
Speak to your
veterinarian before changing your pet's
medication or feeding regimen.
-
Divide each day's
food ration into frequent, small meals,
including one at bedtime.
-
Provide free
access to fresh, clean water.
FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS
A food with highly
digestible proteins, carbohydrates and fats
in combination with other nutrients helps
limit the production of metabolic toxins,
reduces liver workload, improves liver
efficiency and allows recovery. The liver
has a large reserve capacity and, unlike
some other organs in the body, has the
ability to regenerate. If the source of
harm is eliminated and the pet receives
proper nutrition, chances for recovery are
good.
Prescription Diet®
Canine l/d® and Feline l/d® are
specifically formulated as nutritional aids
for pets with liver disease. With
high-quality protein, highly digestible
carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals,
Prescription Diet® l/d® helps allow natural
regeneration of liver tissue. The great
taste ensures acceptance and adequate food
intake.
FEEDING TIPS
-
Follow your
veterinarian's directions when feeding
any Prescription Diet® therapeutic food.
-
Gradually
introduce the new food over a 7-day
period by mixing the new food with the
old.
-
If your pet is
reluctant to try a new food, warm the
canned product to body temperature, hand
feed or mix the dry food with warm water
(dog food only). Remove within an hour
and wash the dish to avoid spoilage and
bacterial growth.
-
Be patient but
firm with your pet, because success
depends on strict adherence to the new
food. Contact your veterinarian if your
pet refuses to eat.
