The liver of our pets is the central laboratory of their organisms. After skin, the liver is the second largest organ (and the largest gland). Unlike skin, the liver performs approximately 1,500 basic functions in the body of your dog or cat. It is the one that eliminates toxins from the body and helps maintain health.
The liver of our pets has a limited ability to cleanse the body from the attacks for which it is not evolutionarily prepared. The liver tries to cope with the constant inflow of toxins and free radicals produced by normal metabolism. However, free radicals are also produced due to the influence of various external factors and lead to chronic diseases, not only in the liver but in all other organs.
The liver is one of the four major organs which eliminates toxins from your pet (the other three are kidneys, intestines, and skin).
What damages your pet's liver:
• Medicines
• Preparations against ecto and endoparasites
• Household cleaning products
• Fire resistant furniture and carpets
• Mycotoxins
• Heavy metals
• Exhaust gases in cities
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Bacteria and fungi
• Food additives
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Autoimmune diseases
Since the liver performs so many oxidative processes, it is a basic place for free radicals to accumulate, and cause damage to liver cells. Fortunately, it has a remarkable ability to regenerate itself when damaged and protect the body.
Some of the symptoms of liver disease in dogs:
• abdominal swelling (ascites)
• lethargy and lack of energy
• weight loss • vomiting • diarrhea
• jaundice
• constipation
• increased thirst
• skin inflammation
• neurological symptoms
Malnutrition, as well as overweight in dogs can also be the cause of the disease.
It is difficult to recognize by the symptoms that it is a liver disease since the symptoms are the same as in many other diseases, so be sure to consult your veterinarian about the symptoms and diagnosis of the disease.
Your pet can be:
