What is Liver Disease?
The liver is a large organ with a great deal of responsibility for keeping your pet healthy. It is essential for life and performs over 100 important functions, such as assisting in blood clotting, metabolizing fats and detoxifying the blood of poisons and drugs.

Liver disease is often hard to detect until the disease becomes rather severe as there is a great deal of liver tissues and the liver has the ability to partially regenerate itself. Symptoms of liver disease vary with the severity and location of the damage. Blood tests are generally necessary to determine the extent of the liver damage. Sometimes a small piece of liver tissue is removed for examination to determine the type of liver disease.

Depending on the type of liver disease your pet has, he or she may have to be treated in the hospital or may be treated at home. Some liver diseases are curable while others are controlled your veterinarian will discuss the treatment necessary for your pet with you. Some of the areas that will be covered are listed here:

-Diet may play an important part in your pet's leading a continued healthy life. Your veterinarian will let you know if your pet will require a special diet or feeding schedule. Plenty of fresh water should always be readily available to your pet.
-Medications will probably play a role in your pet's treatment. It is important to administer all medications as they are prescribed and to complete the course of any treatment prescribed.
-Exercise may be a factor in your pet's treatment and your veterinarian will instruct you on the activity level that is healthy for your pet.
-Watch your pet closely for new signs of illness, such as bleeding from the gums, skin or eyes, dark or bloody stools or blood in the urine, diarrhea or vomiting, your pet acts dazed, confused, seems weak or faints.

If you have questions any time about your pet's liver disease and/or treatment, call your veterinarian.