NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF LIVER DISEASES IN DOGS AND CATS

There are many misconceptions on the nutritional management of the dog or cat with liver disease.

-  K. Sasikala, G. Vijayakumar, D. Sumathi, S. Sivaraman, G. Senthilkumar and R. Ravi

With progressive liver damage metabolic function also becomes compromised that could ultimately result in liver failure. Important physiological functions of the liver include intermediary metabolism of nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins), coagulation, storage (vitamin K), bilirubin and xenobiotic (drug) metabolism.

THE FOUR MAJOR GOALS OF HEPATIC THERAPY SHOULD INCLUDE

1. Identifying and removing the primary etiology

2. Providing adequate nutritional support

3. Specific therapy (i.e., anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, copper chelation, etc.)

4. Liver support therapy (i.e., antioxidants, vitamins etc.)

Further management of the specific complications of liver therapy include coagulopathies, GI ulceration, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy management.

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS

A starving animal catabolizes its own proteins for energy, potentially increasing endogenous ammonia concentrations that can contribute to hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and compound the metabolic disorders already present.

PROTEIN