Liver Disease
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The liver is the largest gland in the body. It is located in the
abdominal cavity and lies just in front of the stomach next to the
diaphragm. The liver is the body’s “detoxifier.” All of the blood
circulates through the liver to be filtered and cleaned before returning
to the heart. Liver disease can present itself very quickly or can occur
very slowly over many months.
CAUSES of liver disease include infections, consumption of or
exposure to poisons, abdominal blood flow (usually a birth defect),
and hereditary disorders. Cats can also develop liver disease from
just not eating for a few days, regardless of the cause of the poor
appetite. Liver disease can result in inflammation of the liver, bile
stones, decreased production of enzymes aiding digestion and
cirrhosis.
SIGNS of Liver Disease:
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the lips or eyes)
• Increased thirst
• Discoloration of the urine or stool
• Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid build-up
• Bruises on the gums or belly due to poor blood clotting ability
DIAGNOSIS of the specific type of liver disease is confirmed by
physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound testing, radiographs (x-
rays), and sometimes biopsy.
TREATMENT OF LIVER DISEASE:
The liver has a tremendous ability to regenerate and heal.
Prescription diets or other high-quality diets recommended by your pet’
s doctor are an important component of successful treatment.
Prescription diets contain specific nutrients most easily digested
minimizing the work-load on the diseased liver while allowing for
optimum nutrition to aid the healing process. Many pets with liver
disease will recover and live normal lives. Your pet’s treatment may
include:
• Antibiotics to prevent or eliminate bacterial infection.
• Medications to help prevent a build-up of fatty deposits in the
liver.
• Steroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to counteract severe
inflammation in the liver.
• IV fluids and nutritional supplementation.
• Pain medications.
• Anti-nausea drugs for vomiting and cramping.
• Drugs to decrease the acid secretion into the stomach causing
vomiting.
• DIET: Feed several small meals per day instead of 1-2 larger
meals.
• You pet’s doctor will recommend a specific diet, either a
prescription, or a natural, high-quality diet. FOLLOW THESE
RECOMMENDATIONS!
• Notify the clinic if your pet appears to worsen in any way, or if
vomiting continues for more than 24 hours.
abdominal cavity and lies just in front of the stomach next to the
diaphragm. The liver is the body’s “detoxifier.” All of the blood
circulates through the liver to be filtered and cleaned before returning
to the heart. Liver disease can present itself very quickly or can occur
very slowly over many months.
CAUSES of liver disease include infections, consumption of or
exposure to poisons, abdominal blood flow (usually a birth defect),
and hereditary disorders. Cats can also develop liver disease from
just not eating for a few days, regardless of the cause of the poor
appetite. Liver disease can result in inflammation of the liver, bile
stones, decreased production of enzymes aiding digestion and
cirrhosis.
SIGNS of Liver Disease:
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the lips or eyes)
• Increased thirst
• Discoloration of the urine or stool
• Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid build-up
• Bruises on the gums or belly due to poor blood clotting ability
DIAGNOSIS of the specific type of liver disease is confirmed by
physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound testing, radiographs (x-
rays), and sometimes biopsy.
TREATMENT OF LIVER DISEASE:
The liver has a tremendous ability to regenerate and heal.
Prescription diets or other high-quality diets recommended by your pet’
s doctor are an important component of successful treatment.
Prescription diets contain specific nutrients most easily digested
minimizing the work-load on the diseased liver while allowing for
optimum nutrition to aid the healing process. Many pets with liver
disease will recover and live normal lives. Your pet’s treatment may
include:
• Antibiotics to prevent or eliminate bacterial infection.
• Medications to help prevent a build-up of fatty deposits in the
liver.
• Steroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to counteract severe
inflammation in the liver.
• IV fluids and nutritional supplementation.
• Pain medications.
• Anti-nausea drugs for vomiting and cramping.
• Drugs to decrease the acid secretion into the stomach causing
vomiting.
• DIET: Feed several small meals per day instead of 1-2 larger
meals.
• You pet’s doctor will recommend a specific diet, either a
prescription, or a natural, high-quality diet. FOLLOW THESE
RECOMMENDATIONS!
• Notify the clinic if your pet appears to worsen in any way, or if
vomiting continues for more than 24 hours.