[CorkyMax]

The liver performs many vital functions, including synthesizing enzymes, proteins and metabolites; removing ammonia and other wastes from the bloodstream; manufacturing blood-clotting factors; and detoxifying the blood of drugs and poisons.

LIVER FAILURE
The early signs of liver disease are nonspecific. They include loss of appetite, weight loss and chronic intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting is more common than diarrhea. Drinking and urinating more often than normal may be the 1st signs, and the principal reason for seeking medical attention.
In the early stages of liver disease the liver swells and enlarges. As the disease progresses, the liver cells die and are replaced by scar tissue. The liver then becomes rubbery and firm. This condition is called CIRRHOSIS. It is not reversible.
Eighty percent of liver cells must die before the liver begins to fail. The signs of liver failure are jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, spontaneous bleeding and dependent adema.
JAUNDICE. With impaired liver function, bile accumulates in the blood and tissues, staining the tissues yellow. This can be seen in the yellow appearance of the white of the eyes and in the mucous membranes of the gums and tongue. Bile excreted in the urine turns the urine dark brown (the color of tea).
HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY. This is a type of brain inflammation caused by high levels of ammonia and other toxins in the blood. Ammonia is a by-product of protein metabolism, and is normally removed from the bloodstream by a healthy liver. When the liver is sick, ammonia accumulates to toxic levels and exerts a poisonous effect on the brain.
Dogs with hepatic encephalopathy develop incoordination, sporadic weakness, disorientation, head-pressing, behavioral changes, drooling, stupor and mental dullness. Symptoms tend to wax and wane. They become more severe after a high-protein meal. Seizures and coma occur when hepatic encephalopathy is advanced.
ASCITES. It is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. In liver disease, it is caused by low serum proteins and increased pressure in the veins that supply the liver. A dog with ascites has a swollen or bloated look. Thumping on the abdomen produces a dull, flat sound.
BLEEDING. Spontaneous bleeding occurs with advanced liver disease. Common sites of bleeding are the stomach, intestine and urinary tract. Blood may be noted in the vomitus, stools or urine. Punctate (pinhead-sized) hemorrhages may be seen on the gums. Bruises can appear under the lips and skin. Major blood loss from spontaneous bleeding is relatively uncommon, but uncontrollable bleeding can be a serious problem if the dog is injured or requires surgery.
DEPENDENT EDEMA. Swelling of the abdominal wall and lower legs is related to malnutrition and low serum protein levels. It is not as common in liver disease as it is in congestive heart failure..
TREATMENT: Treatment of liver failure is directed toward treating the liver disease causing it.continued->

[CorkyMax]

A number of diseases, chemicals, drugs and toxins can damage the liver. The liver is directly affected by infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. It is frequently involved in heartworm infection, Cushing's syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Primary and metastatic tumors are a major cause of liver failure in dogs.
Chemicals known to produce liver toxicity include carbon tetrachloride, insecticides, and toxic amounts of lead, phosphorus, selenium, arsenic and iron. DRUGS capable of damaging the liver include anesthetic gases, antibiotics, antifungals, dewormers, diuretics, analggesics (aspirin and Tylenol), anticonvulsants, testosterone preparations (Cheque Drops) and corticosteroids. Most drug reactions are associated with excessive dosage and/or prolonged usage.
A blockage of the bile duct by gallstones, liver flukes, tumors or pancreatitis is uncommon, but becomes a consideration when a dog has unexplained jaundice.
LIVER SHUNTS.--also called portosystemic shunts, are abnormal veins that allow blood from the intestine to bypass the liver. Ammonia and other toxins are not metabolized or removed from the circulation, resulting in signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy. (See 1st post above about this type of liver failure)
The majority of portosystemic shunts are congenital. Multiple shunts outside the liver may be congenital but are more often caused by cirrhosis. Minature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers appear to be at increased risk for congenital shunts that develop outside the liver. Large-breed dogs are at increased risk for shunts inside the liver that occur because of a fetal vein that normally closes at birth fails to do so.
Most dogs with congenital liver shunts develop symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy by 6 mons. of age, although some dogs may not develop symptoms until middle age or older. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray studies where contrast dyes are injected into the liver circulation, and by bile acid assays. These studies are available at referral centers.
IDIOPATHIC CHRONIC HEPATITIS. This is not 1 disease, but a group of poorly understood liver diseases that culminate in cirrhosis. With the exception of copper-associated hepatitis, these diseases appear to have an AUTOIMMUNE BASIS: The dog's immune system is somehow stimulated to manufacture antibodies against it's own liver. This establishes an inflammatory process that progresses to liver failure. The basis for autoimmune reaction is unknown. ME talking here!!! COME ON!! How about too many vaccinations--esp. when given too soon and too many at one time and most not even necessary. This article has been written by vets--Do you think they are going to admit this reaction is caused by vaccinating---NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!! continued--->

[CorkyMax]

--COPPER-ASSOCIATED HEPATITIS. Hepatitis related to high levels of copper occurs in the Doberman Pinscher, Bedlington Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Skye Terrier. In Bellingtons and Westies there is an inherited defect in copper metabolism that allows toxic concentrations of copper to accumulate in the liver.
***In Dobermans, copper concentrations are increased in most but not all affected dogs. It is unclear in the Doberman (and Skye Terrier) whether high copper levels are the cause of hepatitis or the result. Copper can accumulate in the liver as a consequence of hepatitis alone. As a rule, the higher the copper concentration, the more likely it is that copper is the cause. Genetic testing for copper toxicosis in Bellington Terriers is available through the University of Pennsylvania. (hopefully it still is)

TREATMENT:
Blood tests, ultrasounds and CT scans provide useful information, but the only definitive test is a biopsy of the liver. The prognosis for recovery depends on how long the dog has been ill, the extent of liver damage, and whether the disease can be surgically cured or controlled by medications.
Me talking here---I brought this article here on the liver diseases because it is important to be aware of all the signs--esp. initial signs--before the disease has progressed too far to save the dog (if possible) Be aware that when you see most of the (later) signs it is prob. too late to save your dog!! Remember "eighty percent of liver cells must die before the liver begins to fail"
---Infectious diseases respond to treatment of the underlying condition. Drugs and poisons frequently exert temporary effects that reverse when the exposure is stopped. Bile duct obstructions and some primary tumors of the liver can be corrected by surgery.
---The treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis involves the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran). The prognosis varies. Some dogs respond well and can be taken off medications; others require life-long treatment. DOGS THAT RESPOND POORLY GENERALLY HAVE ADVANCED LIVER DISEASE WITH CIRRHOSIS.
---The treatment of choice for liver shunts is partial or complete surgical ligation of the shunt. This is not always possible. Medical management is directed toward controling hepatic encephalopathy.
---Treatment of copper-associated hepatitis varies with the affected breed. Medications can be given to move copper out of the liver into the circulation, where it can be excreted in the urine. The absorption of copper can be decreased by giving oral zinc products that bind copper in the gut.Me talking--Too much zinc can be poisonous too--follow your vet's instructions!! See post I did recently on pennies and zinc being fatal!! Dogs with inherited defects in copper metabolism should not be used in breeding.
---In addition to treating the liver disease, it is important to control and prevent complications, particularly hepatic encephalopathy and bleeding. This may involve feeding special diets low in protein, lowering blood ammonia levels, maintaining blood-clotting factors, preventing seizures, correcting electrolyte abnormalities, and administering antacids to prevent stomach and duodenal ulcers. Me personally--antacids to me sound like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't!! Must be a better way!!

[chevy & karen]

Thank you for writing this. I lost one of my pup's because his arthritis med's destroyed his liver. I remember his stool being black and almost burnt looking.

[Lara's mom]

My Bailey, who is a 12 year old border collie spaniel X has had high liver enzymes and has been taking meds for it for the past few months. I was told by her Doctor that this is a common thing with senior dogs. She's taking Hepato support and Deosyl. Is there something else I should be doing? Otherwise, she is a very healthy girl and can still outrun most of the dogs at the park.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

My Bailey, who is a 12 year old border collie spaniel X has had high liver enzymes and has been taking meds for it for the past few months. I was told by her Doctor that this is a common thing with senior dogs. She's taking Hepato support and Deosyl. Is there something else I should be doing? Otherwise, she is a very healthy girl and can still outrun most of the dogs at the park.

My Corky has high liver 'count' too and I had him checked with some tests and they couldn't find out why--And after I had spent quite a bit for these tests--The vet said " I see a lot of dogs with a high count" as if to say it is a common thing. Corky has had this high count for at least 2-3 years. The vet never said anything about being on any meds.--and Corky is 11 yrs. old and appears to be pretty healthy--for sure--none of the symptoms I wrote about in here! I wonder if the count builds up after they have been exposed to all the taxing things they have been subjected to in their lives---like vacs, meds, etc!! I know the meds you are giving is for the 'problem' but I still would look up (on net, etc) about these meds---I personally believe most meds just add to the problem and just might being doing more harm than good. Please do not let me sway you in any way---just would like to see you do some research to be well informed! As you have prob. gathered, I don't trust most vets. And holistic vets are the kind I wish I had!! You know what!! I am going to come right back in here
with some quotes from another book I have that might be of some benefit about keeping the liver healthy! Please see the next post--Trying To Keep The Liver Healthy.

[CorkyMax]

[B][COLOR="DarkRed"]Am quoting from another book--Earl Mindell's Nutrition & Health for Dogs. This is what is after his name: R. PH., PH. D. This book is 11 yrs. old BUT this should not matter!--------QUOTE:

If treated aggressively and naturally with the help of a good holistic vet, even a seriously diseased liver can be restored to health.
--Keeping your dog in optimal health will keep her liver in optimal health. If your dog has to take medications over a long period of time, he has a high exposure to toxins, or has spent her life on a low-quality diet,(Me talking here)--Please get your dog off of the cheap commercial dog food and give good nutrition--imperative!!, there is no doubt that her liver has suffered.
---MILK THISTLE and ALPHA LIPOIC ACID are both nutrients that can help restore the health of the liver.
----Milk Thistle is a member of the daisy family and contains a flavonoid called silymarin,which enhances liver function, stimulates production of new cells, and has antioxidant properties that protect the liver cells from damage. Daaily doses for milk thistle are: sm. dogs( up to 20#)--1/2 capsule, med. and lg. dogs (20-50#)--1 capsule, and giant dogs (over 100#)--2 capsules. HEY! Now be aware this daily dosage is meant for dogs that need to restore an UNHEALTY liver!! (Lara's mom--don't know if this would apply to you and me or not and to top that off-I have read if given too much--can cause a false liver reading--evidently not harmful ? For MAINTENANCE of a healthy liver, I (Mindell-the author) recommend milk thistle (silymarin)for a month each year for all dogs over six years of age.
----Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that is a potent promoter of glutathione. Glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant and detoxifying agent, is found in highest concentrations in the liver, which is the primary organ in detoxifying the body. If your dog has been or is on any kind of medications for an extended period of time, I (Mindell) recommend supplementing with alpha lipoic acidat the following daily doses: (See weight of dogs above) sm. dogs--50mg, med. dogs--100mg, lg. dogs--200mg, and giant dogs--300mg

[Lara's mom]

Hepato support is made from milk thistle. I'm not sure what the Deosyl is except that between the two, her liver enzymes are almost back to normal. Neither of my girls has ever eaten cheap commercial dog food. I home cook their wet food and they eat Halo dry. We're going to do another blood test in a month and hopefully, we'll be able to take her off of at least the Deosyl and just keep her on the Hepato support. We were lucky that we caught the problem early. Thank heaven for the wellness test that senior dogs get. Without it, we'd never have known she had a liver problem until perhaps it was too late to treat it.

[CorkyMax]

Hey Lara's Mom---was just rereading my last post here and yours. I hope you didn't/don't think I was implying that YOU were using cheap dog food---I was saying it for all readers who might have their dog on cheap dog food!! Wanted to get the message out there---I love all dogs and want to see them get what they deserve--a good healthy life!! Sorry, if I may of offended you in any way.

[Lara's mom]

Corky/Max:

Heavens no! I wasn't at all offended. I appreciate plain speech! I just wrote that so you'd know that food couldn't be what caused the problem. Anyway, Bailey's liver enzymes are back to normal but we're keeping her on the Hepato Support. It is milk thistle which I know is good for the liver. Thanks for posting all that info. Great information!

[CorkyMax]

Liver disease in dogs is one of the leading causes of death in dogs each year. The liver is very important for ensuring a long, healthy life. It purifies the blood, eliminates waste and aids healthy digestion. The liver is susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions. Whenever the liver is compromised, the life of your dog is in serious jeopardy.

Causes of Liver Disease
Here are ten causes of liver disease:

Poor diet
Bacterial infection
Viral infection
Trauma, such as a blow when hit by a car or through a case of heatstroke
Some prescription drugs, including acetaminophen or medications used to treat other medical conditions
Toxic substances in the environment, such as pesticides
Over vaccinatingFinally found mention of this!!
A birth defect or abnormality of the liver
Genetic predisposition
Ingesting poison


Symptoms of Liver Disease
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from liver disease, here are some symptoms to look out for:

Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Depression and lethargy
A swollen or distended belly
Pale or gray feces
Discolored urine
Jaundice
Increased urination and water consumption
Severe neurological problems such as seizures or aimless pacing
Viral or bacterial infection
Bleeding problems may occur, but are rare

Prevention is the best defense against liver disease and being aware of contributing factors can help you protect your dog.

[lulusmom]

I share my life with two cushingoid dogs and have dealt with the disease for the last five years. I have done extensive research in my quest to understand the disease and it's effective treatments to give my furkids a chance to lead a good quality of life. To my knowledge and contrary to the claims made by PetWellBeing, the manufacturer of Supraglan, there is no alternative to conventional treatment. If there were, thousands of us pet owners would be lining up to buy a natural or homeopathic product. I also think it is rather confounding that Supragland is tauted as being an effective treatment for both cushing's and addison's disease as these conditions are the antithesis of each other.

Supraglan is advertised online as normalizing adrenal function. In order to normalize adrenal function in cushing's, treatment must effectively reduce circulating cortisol. It is the impact of high levels of this steroid on the immune system and internal organs that yields abnormalities in bloodwork, urinalysis and manifestation of clinical symptoms such as excessive drinking, peeing, voracious appetite, panting, skin and coat problems, muscle wasting with an emphasis of weakness in hindquarter, intolerance to exercise. Effective treatment can only be validated by monitoring treatment by way of a blood test called an acth stimulation test. PetWellBeing, by their own admission, has never performed this test or any other meaningful blood or urinalysis in any scientific clinical trials or studies that prove the efficacy of Supraglan.

Cushing's is a frustrating and frightening disease and it chaps my hide when ecommerce companies peddle their so-called cushing's treatments in the hopes that they can reel in the vulnerable pet owners that don't know anything about the disease and may be afraid of the effective conventional treatments. Cushing's is a serious disease that requires serious drugs but treatment is easily facilitated and side effects minimized or eliminated if the vet prescribing is experienced and the pet owner has taken the time to educate themselves.

I take exception to the Sponsored Dog Content Supraglan video for obvious reasons; however, as proof of their lack of ethics (and IMO morals), I wrote to PetWellBeing and asked point blank whether they had any scientific data in support of their claims. I was surprised that I got a response at all and was even more surprised by their honesty. I have posted my original communication to PetWellBeing and their reply below.

Anybody with a cushingoid dog knows all about the emotional rollercoaster that you think will never end but I can tell you from experience that knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself and the more you learn, the faster the nerves settle down and the more comfortable you feel in taking a proactive participation in your furbaby's care. And for heaven sakes, don't take some online company's word that their snake oil is going to fix your dog. I wrote to every online company that has made even the smallest claim that their product is effective in treating cushing's and guess what? I either got no response, they danced around my very direct questions or they were honest and admitted that no testing had been done. Save your money for appropriate testing and effective treatment.

There are a number of cushing's forums out there and I highly recommend that anybody with a cushdog join one for the support, the invaluable reference material and the enormous amount of collective knowledge and experience. You will find all of this invaluable information as well a lot of wonderful comraderie at K9Cushings.com - All about Cushings and Your Dog. Please check it out and that invitation goes for Corky/Max who has done an incredible job of posting an amazing amount of helpful material here. Thank you for all you do.

My email to PetWellBeing

I have two dogs with cushing's both currently being treated with Lysodren. One of my dog is quite young, having been diagnosed at three years old with pituitary dependent cushing's with elevation of all adrenal steroids/hormones. My very real concern is that unless a treatment truly normalizes the adrenal activity, her life span will most certainly be shortened due to the steroidal assault on internal organs and continued compromised immune system.

I was pretty excited when I read how Supraglan worked, especially the ingredients you list as "Borage: restores adrenal cortex, stimulates endocrine system & improves immune system and Eleutherococus Senticosus: balances hormonal actions (ACTH & cortisone) of adrenal glands". This is fabulous stuff but can you please tell me if you have done scientific clinical trials or studies that show by way of acth stimulation test/full adrenal panel, low dose dexamethasone suppression test and/or urine cortisol:creatinine ratio that supports your claims regarding Supraglan's efficacy in treating cushing's?

Response from PetWellBeing

Unfortunately no scientific tests or trials have been conducted on this product to support the claims you inquired below about.
The items we offer on Pet Holistic Health Supplies | Naturopathic Pet Medicine | Holistic Vets and Veterinarians | All Natural Holistic Treatments are not drugs or medicines, but rather all natural herbal alternatives. Please be aware that these products are not guaranteed to cure or treat all animals, as each individual animal and their situation's are different.

PetWellbeing Customer Service
1-877-633-2401

[CorkyMax]

I found recently this article I had been saving. This article was in the mag.-Dog Fancy in Sept. of 06-->
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a powerful supplement that may improve your dog's liver health, esp. during recovery from liver-damaging disease, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease. "Milk thistle stimulates the liver to heal and regenerate," says Jean Hofve, DVM, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. "It also protects the liver from a variety of toxins, including drugs and heavy metals."

Milk thistle is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It comes in powder, capsule, or liquid extract form, and the typical dose is 75 to 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any herbs to your dog, as some herbs may alter the effect of other medications. Milk thistle should only be used in short durations; long-term use may suppress liver functions.

So that means 300 to 400 mgs for a 40 lb. dog!