LIVER

Hepatitis, General

Species affected: All
Background: An inflammation of the liver that may also include an infectious process as well. Specific viral hepatitis exists in the dog; a wide variety of bacterial organisms may also contribute. Certain breeds have predilections for developing specific forms of hepatitis.
Symptoms: Jaundice, pain, digestive upset and fever, PU/PD.
Diagnostics: Blood tests, a thorough history and physical examination.
Special Notes: Animals exposed to toxins such as heavy metals or noxious plants may become ill. A diet of fresh, healthy food and removal of any toxins in the environment is critical to these animals.
Principles for Supplementation: Support the hepatic processes of detoxification, while not over-stimulating any one part of its pathways.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Hepagen-C9Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid	Balanced formula that contains antioxidants and supports hepatic detoxification pathways.
Hepagen-F9Cats 2 capsules, bid	Balanced formula that contains antioxidants and supports hepatic detoxification pathways.
Oxygenics5	Cat 1/4 tablet, sid	Combination of antioxidant herbs that support liver function and contribute to the formation of superoxide dimutase.
	Dog 1/4 - 1 tablet, sid
S.A.T.9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Herbs that may act as antioxidants and help regenerate hepatocytes after liver damage.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cat 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant.
	Dog 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Detox1At discretion, or 2-4 oz., sid	Supports the live detoxification pathways.
Equine Antioxidant91 scoop, bid	Antioxidant.
Equine Liver Support93-8 teaspoons, sid	Nutrients to support liver functions and detoxification.
Hilton Purify42-4 scoops, bid	Supports liver detoxification pathways.
S.A.T.98-16 capsules, sid	Herbal support for the liver.

Hepatic Lipidosis

Species affected: Cats
Background: This disorder is almost never seen in dogs, and certainly not from the same cause as in cats. Cats who are overweight and suddenly stop eating undergo hepatic metabolic changes that may lead to the body preferentially metabolizing body fat; this leads to continued anorexia.
Symptoms: The onset is rapid and characterized by vomiting, anorexia, depression and electrolyte imbalances.
Diagnostics: Rapidly confirmed by blood tests.
Special Notes: For obese cats, fasting or even markedly decreased appetite for 3 days often results in hepatic lipidosis. Thinner cats can fast for longer periods of time, but are still in danger.
Principles for Supplementation: The therapeutic goal is to support the urea cycle while forcing food (usually via esophageal or gastric tube). Carnitine helps oxidize fatty acids in the liver cell; arginine may be deficient in these cats. Fish oil, zinc and antioxidants also support the urea cycle. Force feeding may have to continue for as long as a month.

FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Hepagen-F9Cats 1 capsule, bid	Balanced formula supports the hepatic detoxification pathways.
L-Carnitine9Cats 250 -500 mg, sid	Oxidizes fatty acids in liver cells .
Omega Plus9 ArgenineCats 1 capsule, sid	Supports the urea cycle.
Oxygenics5Cats 1/4 tablet, sid	Combination of antioxidants and herbs that support liver detoxification function and contribute to the formation of superoxide dimutase.
Small Animal Antioxidant9Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant.

Copper-associated Hepatopathy

Species affected: Dogs
Background: A toxic condition of the liver caused by an accumulation of copper in the liver as well as other tissues. Purebred dog breeds have an increased incidence of a congenital form. In the congenital form, it may take several months to several years to manifest, by which time the symptoms and liver damage are irreversible.
Symptoms: The signs are those occurring with a gradual dysfunction and destruction of the liver: PU/PD, poor hair coat, lethargy.
Diagnostics: Blood tests of liver function, as well as toxicity testing, confirm the presence of the condition.
Special Notes: The toxicity can be a result of excess consumption of copper in contaminated feeds or from environmental sources such as cleansers and disinfectants; most commonly it is congenital. For affected animals, avoid multiple vitamins containing copper. Elemental zinc should be given on an empty stomach at 200 mg elemental zinc divided to double serum Zn, then decrease to 50-100 mg day. The goal is to maintain serum zinc at 200-300 mcg/mL.
Principles for Supplementation: Support liver function and detoxification without over-stimulating any one part of the detoxification system.

CANINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Hepagen-C9	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid	Balanced formula supports the hepatic detoxification pathways in the dog.
Oxygenics5	Dogs 1/4 - 1 tablet, sid	Combination of herbs and antioxidants that support liver function and contribute to the formation of superoxide dimutase.
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid	Antioxidant.
Zince acetate, sulfate or methionine	2-3 mg/kg, sid	Chelator to decrease copper absorption.

Return to Top

Return to the Diagnostics and Therapeutics Menu