When your beloved pet receives a diagnosis of liver disease, ensuring they have the best possible care is paramount. While prescription diets are often recommended, many owners find success and improved well-being for their pets by incorporating fresh food and targeted supplements. This guide explores how to support your pet through liver disease with natural approaches, focusing on dietary adjustments and beneficial supplements.
Understanding Liver Disease in Pets
Liver disease in pets can manifest in various ways, and early detection is crucial as symptoms can take months or even years to become apparent. Some common types of liver disease include:
- Chronic Hepatitis: The most prevalent primary liver disease in dogs, this chronic inflammatory condition’s exact cause is often unknown but can be linked to genetics, copper accumulation, infections (like leptospirosis or viral agents), severe trauma, or certain medications (phenobarbital, NSAIDs, paracetamol).
- Acute Liver Failure: This involves a sudden loss of liver function, often accompanied by neurological and blood clotting issues, and can result from acute injury or stress on an already compromised liver.
- Hepatic Encephalopathy: A syndrome of neurological problems stemming from the liver’s inability to clear toxins from the bloodstream, this condition is thought to arise from a combination of factors including metabolic changes and neurological issues.
- Portosystemic Shunts (PSS): These can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life, often due to high blood pressure in the vessels leading to the liver. A shunt bypasses the liver, preventing proper blood filtration.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
While symptoms can vary and are not always specific to liver disease, consistent observation is key. If you notice any of the following, a veterinary check-up is recommended:
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Increased salivation (especially in cats)
- Diarrhea (often orange-colored)
- Yellowing of the eyes, tongue, or gums (jaundice)
- Bloody urine or stools
- Lip licking (a sign of nausea)
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst and urination
- Itching (pruritus)
- Unstable gait
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Muscle wasting (in advanced stages)
- Seizures
- Blindness (in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the eyes and liver are linked)
The Crucial Role of the Liver
The liver is a vital organ, often referred to as the body’s “powerhouse.” It manages, processes, and filters nearly everything. It has two main lobes and works in conjunction with the gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines to digest and absorb food. The liver filters blood from the digestive system, detoxifies chemicals, metabolizes hormones and drugs, and produces bile to aid fat digestion. It also synthesizes essential proteins for blood clotting and possesses a remarkable ability to regenerate its cells.
Factors Contributing to Liver Disease
Several factors can contribute to the development or exacerbation of liver disease:
- Poor Diet: An inadequate diet can strain the liver and potentially trigger underlying genetic predispositions.
- Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact liver health. Calm Complex is a supplement designed to help manage stress responses.
- Copper Toxicity: An overload of copper in the liver, often due to low zinc intake or genetic factors, can cause significant damage. Low Copper is a formulation that can assist.
- Endocrine Diseases: Conditions like diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, and hyperthyroidism can impair liver function. Addressing the underlying endocrine disorder is crucial.
- Infectious Agents: Bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infections can affect the liver. Supporting the immune system and liver function is essential in these cases.
- Severe Trauma: Accidents involving the liver area can cause direct damage.
- Pharmaceuticals: The overuse or adverse reactions to certain medications, including phenobarbital, NSAIDs, and paracetamol, can be implicated.
- Vaccinosis: Concerns exist regarding the immune system’s response to vaccinations. Adhering to guidelines like those from the WSAVA and considering titer testing over routine vaccinations may be beneficial.
Veterinary and Fresh Food Approaches to Liver Disease
Veterinary diagnostics for liver disease often involve blood tests to assess liver enzymes, X-rays, and ultrasonography to visualize the liver and surrounding organs. For portosystemic shunts, abdominal surgery may be the treatment of choice.
A cornerstone of managing liver disease, particularly with a fresh food approach, involves a carefully balanced diet.
Fresh Diet Checklist for Liver Disease:
- Diet Type: Fresh, unadulterated food.
- Fat Content: Low fat (10-15% Dry Matter basis, 2-7% wet basis, ideally 4-5% wet basis) is generally recommended.
- Phosphorus: Restricted (0.2% – 1% DM) in cases of liver shunts.
- Copper: Restricted (2.6mg/kg of food) in cases of copper toxicity.
- Protein: Moderate to high bioavailability, with consideration for phosphorus levels.
- Key Additions: Omega fats and antioxidants.
- Testing: Vitamin deficiency testing is important.
- Palatability: Must be highly palatable as appetite can decrease.
- Treats: Regulated and part of the daily calorie intake.
- Avoid: Leftovers, and dry food is generally not recommended due to its processed nature and often poorly digestible protein.
Freshly prepared diets can significantly improve quality of life and potentially prolong survival times. Lean proteins, quality vegetables, and superfoods form the basis of these diets. While protein restriction is debated, moderate levels of highly bioavailable proteins are generally favored to support liver regeneration without overwhelming the system.
Good protein sources include eggs, poultry, and fish like sardines, salmon, and cod. Lean meats such as venison, ostrich, and kangaroo can also be beneficial. Tripe can be a good option for reducing phosphorus and fats.
Complex carbohydrates from grains are often avoided. If protein needs to be reduced, quinoa or oats might be considered. Starch-rich vegetables like sweet potato (especially purple sweet potato) and green vegetables such as broccoli and kale can be very beneficial, supporting liver detoxification and reducing fatty build-up.
Berries and cranberries are rich in antioxidants that offer hepato-protective effects. Sodium intake should be moderately restricted, with preference given to whole food sources or healthier salts like Himalayan salt.
Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids in a balanced ratio with omega-6, are important. Sources like hemp oil, phytoplankton, and clean fish oil can help reduce inflammation. Adding fiber aids in faster transit through the colon, reducing toxin reabsorption.
Supplements for Liver Support
Beyond diet, several supplements can play a crucial role in supporting liver health:
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that helps manage stress, which can indirectly benefit liver function.
- B Vitamins: Methylated forms of B9 (folate) and B12 are vital for liver detoxification pathways. A B complex is generally recommended.
- Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to liver health. Probiotics help balance gut bacteria, which can reduce the burden on the liver.
- Curcumin BCM-95®: The active compound in turmeric, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering significant liver protection.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for reducing inflammation and supporting liver function.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): Disorders affecting bile acid production can impair the absorption of these vitamins, making supplementation, under veterinary guidance, important.
- Zinc: Crucial for balancing copper levels and supporting liver function, especially in cases of copper toxicity.
- SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine): Aids in liver repair and supports crucial biochemical pathways. Available through veterinarians.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, NAC acts as an antioxidant and supports liver detoxification.
- Milk Thistle: Known for its ability to stimulate liver repair, protect liver cells, and promote regeneration.
Promoting a Cleaner Lifestyle
Minimizing exposure to toxins is essential for liver health. This includes:
- Choosing natural flea, tick, and deworming treatments when possible.
- Considering titer testing instead of annual vaccinations.
- Discussing the necessity of all medications with your veterinarian to reduce the liver’s drug metabolism load.
- Opting for natural household cleaning products.
- Always providing filtered or fresh bottled water, as tap water can contain numerous toxins.
Summary
Supporting a pet with liver disease involves a multifaceted approach, with a fresh, low-fat diet and targeted supplements being key components. While advanced damage may not be fully reversible, these strategies can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life and prolong survival. Early detection and consistent professional advice are paramount.
For personalized guidance, consider exploring consultation services. Book a Consultation with a professional to create a tailored plan for your pet’s health.
