Diagnosis
Dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis experience vague and non-specific symptoms. These symptoms can include a loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, lethargy and increased or decreased drinking and urination. As the disease worsens and the liver continues to fail, causing a build up of toxins in the body, jaundice, blood thinning, the accumulation of fluid, and neurological symptoms such as confusion or convulsions, become evident.
Blood tests to check liver function are used to diagnose the disease, although a definite diagnosis can only be obtained through a liver biopsy.
Conventional Treatment
Traditional treatment for chronic hepatitis in dogs includes
trying to remove the source of the problem, such as a toxin in the
environment or a primary illness that triggered the hepatitis. Veterinarians
also prescribe steroids as well as a low-protein diet to help the
liver return to normal function.
With long term use, steroids can cause problems in dogs such as diabetis and immune suppression. Some owners turn to natural products to help support the liver in a safer way. These herbs aid the body in healing and in regenerating the damaged liver.
Natural remedies for chronic hepatitis in dogs include extracts of herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion and phyllanthus. Anecdotal evidence has shown that milk thisle and dandelion reduce inflammation of the liver and encourage new cell growth, while phyllanthus has anti-viral properties effective against hepatitis.
See the Natural Treatments section for more information on using nutraceuticals to help heal and regenerate the liver.
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Copper-associated
Hepatophy
Copper-associated hepatophy is a condition caused
by an excess of copper in the liver. Copper can enter the body through
diets high in this mineral, or through copper in the environment.
Some breeds of dogs seem more predisposed to develop this condition.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of copper-associated hepatophy include an unhealthy
looking coat, depression, and frequent drinking and urinating. The
problem is diagnosed through blood tests, which include toxicity
testing to determine if there is an excess of copper in the blood
stream.
Treatment
Traditional treatment for this condition includes feeding of
a special diet based on dairy or soy protein, along with drug treatment
to help the body rid itself of copper. Natural remedies, such as
glutathione, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and zinc, can be helpful in
treating hepatophy by supporting liver function and helping to detoxify
the body.
See the Natural Treatments section for more information on using nutraceuticals to help heal and regenerate the liver.
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Natural Treatments for Liver Diseases
Diet plays an important role in the healing of the
liver. Small, frequent meals which are low in fat and contain easily
digestible grains will help minimize the work that the liver must
do while it heals.
There are several nutraceuticals that aid in treating liver diseases
and are especially beneficial to restoring the health of the liver
when steroids and other prescription drugs are used.
Milk thistle is often the herb of choice among holistic
veterinaraians because it is a powerful antioxidant.
Milk thistle as a healing agent
 Silybum
marianum (milk thistle) is one of the most important herbal liver
tonics and restoratives for your pet. Scientific analysis shows
that milk thistle contains silymarin - a powerful antioxidant which
can block the entry of toxins into the liver and remove them at
cellular level, resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved
liver function.
More potent as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, silymarin
acts as a scavenger on free radicals (molecules that cause cell
damage), as well as increasing levels of glutathione (a prime antioxidant
that protects major organs) and inhibiting the formation of damaging
leukotrienes (an inflammatory agent). Silymarin also stimulates
the production of new liver cells to repair damage caused by disease.
In addition to milk thistle (silymarin), there are several other nutrients which are beneficial to the liver:
- Burdock - Used for centuries as a blood purifier and cleanser.
- Natrium Phosphate - A tissue salt that helps to assimilate fats and promote the flow of bile from the gall bladder.
- Natrium Sulphate - A tissue salt often recommended to detoxify the liver.
- Dimethyglycine (DMG) – An amino acid that helps rebuild liver cells and encourages the elimination of toxins in the body.
- Pyridoxal 5'Phospate – The active form of B6, an essential vitamin that is not easily broken down in pets with compromised livers.
- Vitamin B12 – An important vitamin needed for proper digestion and absorption of food.
- Choline Citrate – A chemical used by the liver to move fats in and out of the cells, which is crucial to liver health.
- Methionine – An amino acid needed for proper detoxification of the liver.
- N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine – An amino acid that is aids in the removal of toxins from the liver.
- Turmeric Extract – A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that enhances the antioxidient effects of Vitamins C and E.
- Coenzyme Q10 – Also known as Vitamin Q, this nutrient is essential for healthy liver function.
- Antioxidants - Chemicals that capture damaging free radicals in the body and encourage healthy liver cells.
To aid in the healing of the liver, we suggest the following product containing milk thistle and other beneficial nutrients:
LiverAid by PetAlive
LiverAid is an herbal and homeopathic remedy that contains nutrients which improve liver functions and help to eliminate toxins from the body.
To purchase or read more about LiverAid...
Immunity and Liver Support by PetAlive
 Immunity and Liver Support strengthens and improves immune system and liver functioning in dogs and cats. Helps to counter the harmful effects of frequent vaccinations and antibiotic treatment.
To purchase or learn more about Immunity and Liver Support...
Detox Plus from PetAlive
 This natural herbal remedy helps to prevent the buildup of harmful toxins (i.e. insecticides, cigarette smoke, flea collars, food preservatives to name a few) in your pet's body. Detox Plus improves liver functioning, metabolism, thyroid health and your pet's ability to eliminate toxins.
To purchase or read more about Detox Plus...
Hepagen-C for Dogs
Hepagen-C
provides the beneficial herbs milk thistle and tumeric with antioxidants
and important nutrients for Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification.
Hepagen-C can be used long term, if necessary.
To purchase or read
more about Hepagen-C...
For additional support, ask your vet if an antioxidant formula would help the overall health of your pet.
Small Animal Antioxidant
 This
formual combines vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, and selenium (all
potent free-radical scavengers) with grape seed extract, lipoic
acid and silymarin (all potent antixidants). It can be used alone
or in combination with Hepagen.
To purchase or read
more about Small Animal Antioxidant...
If your pet has a liver condition you'd like to learn more about, send us an email and will try to include it in future updates to this website. See our Contact Us page.
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