Home remedies for swollen liver in dogs

The liver is an organ of great importance due to the functions it performs in the body. It plays a fundamental role in the digestion, absorption, metabolism or storage of nutrients and in the elimination of toxins. Therefore, when the liver fails, the body suffers.

It is essential to go to the vet, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment, but we may also be interested in home remedies for a swollen liver in dogs, especially those related to food, as we will see in this Blog article.

Read More: https://www.scoop.it/topic/pets-and-animals-by-thetrustedmag/p/4133375253/2022/06/22/the-best-pets-care-tips-ever

Symptoms of liver inflammation in dogs

The symptoms of liver problems usually begin non-specifically, which means that the clinical signs are common to several diseases or, when they appear separately, are considered unimportant, hence a delay in diagnosis may occur. Among the symptoms, we find the following:

• Jaundice , which is the yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. In these cases, the urine takes on a brown color.
• Ascites , which is the edema or accumulation of fluids in the abdominal area. It can also be seen in the extremities.
• Mental or neurological problems due to encephalopathy, such as seizures, incoordination, disorientation, weakness, behavioral changes, hypersalivation, stupor, or, in the most severe cases, coma.
• Chronic and intermittent vomiting and diarrhea.
• Polydipsia, which is increased water consumption.
• Polyuria, which is urinating more often.
• Spontaneous hemorrhages, red dots can be seen on the mucous membranes. They are called petechiae. Bruises in different parts of the body or blood in feces, vomit and urine can also be seen.
• Pain in the abdominal area.
• loss of appetite
• Weightloss.

If we appreciate any of these symptoms, we should not administer home remedies for swollen liver in dogs as a first option, because first it is essential that the veterinarian reaches the diagnosis. Polydipsia or vomiting, for example, are also symptoms of other diseases, so it is necessary to rule out and confirm the causing pathology before starting any treatment.

 

Causes of Liver Inflammation in Dogs

There are several causes that can affect the liver and cause its inflammation. For this reason, the main thing is to always go, first of all, to the veterinarian, so that through the pertinent tests, such as blood tests, ultrasounds, biopsies or even computerized tomography, a diagnosis is reached that allows us to guide the treatment and home remedies. for inflamed liver in dogs.

Depending on this cause, the inflammation can be resolved over time or become chronic, in which case the treatment, including diet, would have to be prescribed for life. The following situations cause inflammation of the liver:

• Acute hepatitis.
• Chronic hepatitis.
• Copper-associated hepatitis.
• Cirrhosis.
• abscesses
• Systemic diseases.
• Intoxications.
• Portosystemic shunts.

Less commonly, liver inflammation is due to gallstones, tumors, or pancreatitis. Each cause will have a specific treatment.

Home Remedies for Liver Inflammation in Dogs - Treatment

Diet is a fundamental pillar for the recovery or maintenance of the quality of life of dogs with an inflamed liver. In addition to the medication prescribed by the vet, at home we can focus the home remedies for inflamed liver in dogs on nutrition. This has to offer a greater contribution of energy and high quality proteins to combat malnutrition that derives from a diseased liver. In addition, proteins help regenerate some of the liver injuries and prevent complications such as ascites or encephalopathy.

The proteins in these cases do not have to be limited to an animal origin, since those that come from soy, corn or dairy are better for dogs that have developed encephalopathy. You also have to take care of the fiber intake and minerals such as zinc, manganese or selenium, group B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E are recommended.

As it is usual for the dog to show a lack of appetite, the food must be very palatable, hence resorting to homemade food is an option, since it is more attractive to the dog in this sense. Of course, before using foods rich in the nutrients that we have specified, it is necessary to consult with the veterinarian because the menu must be balanced and adapted to the specific clinical situation of the dog. It is better to distribute the daily ration in small portions, about 3-6 a day. Also, if it is fed dry food, it may need to be soaked and briefly microwaved to make it more palatable.