Liver Failure in Dogs

The liver is one of the largest glands in the body of a dog. The importance of a liver can be attributed to the fact, that if there is a sudden liver failure in the dog, he may die within 24 hours of the liver failure. What are the functions of the liver that makes it so crucial for your pet's dog health? Well, liver in general is known as the industrial unit of the body. It performs the function of detoxification of wastes and undigested food from the blood. It also extracts extra glucose from the blood in the form of glycogen and that is what builds the energy reserve for the body, when there are low levels of glucose in the body. Besides these, liver stores various vitamins, like A, E, K and D, that are essential for the growth of the pets. It is undoubtedly, the chief operator of body.

Causes
Liver failure rates highest amongst the other canine diseases and analyzing the causes of this disease is the first step to get control of the advanced stages of liver failure in dogs. Some common causes are:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Consumption of toxic substances
• Stress and injury to the dog
• Unhealthy diet or lack of proper, nutritious diet of the dog
• Wrong prescription of drugs in diseases
• Unhygienic environment and negligence on the part of the owner's dog care

Symptoms
Liver failure in dogs quite apparent and just by observing the dog behavior, it can be easily concluded that the dog is not well and needs medication. Some of the acute symptoms of liver failure in dogs, are mentioned below:

• Excessive urination and the urge to drink more water. This may happen due to changes in the salt content in the body, or behavioral changes.
• Depression, sluggishness and lethargy. From a fun-loving, jumpy dog, suddenly it turns into a weak and silent dog.
• Change in the color of the urine, usually it turns to orange. This may be due high bilirubin excretion in the urine.
• Pain in the abdomen area when it is lifted gently or touched in that area.
• Sudden or unexplained loss in weight
• Change in the normal color of feces. Due to lack of secretion of bile juices by the liver, the feces are mostly grayish.
• Jaundice can be another major symptom, as the bile pigments accumulate due to the liver failure.
• Anorexia, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea are other possible symptoms of liver failure in dogs.
• Fever.

Treatment
Liver failure in dogs requires changes in the dietary plan of the dog, giving adequate medication and trying simple home remedies, that can bring back the dog to a normal lifestyle. For example, keep the kennel or the place where your dog resides clean and free of wastes, etc. Often, the dog accidentally consumes poisonous substances while it is left open in the house backyard or the store rooms. Involve diets that are rich in vitamins and do not give the dog any chocolates or very high sugar supplements. Medicinal pills are necessary but avoid acting the veterinarian. Remember, even wrong medicines can cause liver failure, so a veterinarian or an expert must be consulted. After all, it's the question of your dog's life, don't risk it. There are many herbal and antifungal treatments available, that have the potential to heal the liver, without causing any side effects.

Liver failure in dogs requires patience and proper dog care. It is not very difficult to improve your dog's health. You should avoid panic and refer to a veterinarian. This way you can preserve the health of your dog!