Zinc For Dogs With Liver Disease

The signs of liver disease are not very specific making it difficult to recognize.

Zinc for dogs with liver disease.

This marks the end of our roundup but we have a winner the blue buffalo wilderness nature. Products such as liver aid formula contain ingredients such as milk thistle which is a highly regarded liver tonic and restorative. Herbal preparations can act in a supportive role to strengthen the dog s body and aid in healing. Canine liver problems arise due to different reasons.

Vitamins for dogs with liver disease are meant to improve liver function and reverse liver damage. Zinc should be included in the diet although some dogs may not tolerate zinc as it is a digestive irritant. Other possible signs of liver disease in dogs include dark colored urine pale gums or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that could be mistaken for sudden weight gain. A review of zinc ingestion toxicity secondary to penny ingestion in which three of the five dogs passed away emphasizes the potentially fatal complications of the disease related to zinc.

Zinc may reduce absorption of copper from food in the gastrointestinal tract although how effective it really is remains unclear. A study in dogs fed hepatotoxic mushrooms showed a protective effect against clinical and pathologic changes when high doses of milk thistle were given at 5 and 12 hours post exposure. Zinc toxicity presents in dogs in a variety of ways. This is to prevent the fluid in the abdomen from building up.

It appears to be safe at commonly recommended doses but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs. Some breeds are more susceptible than others but it is considered one of the top 5 causes of non accidental death in dogs. There are some great supplements to consider such as vitamin b complex vitamin e c k zinc and adenosylmethionine. Veterinarians have used milk thistle for dogs with chronic liver disease and to ameliorate hepatic effects of anticonvulsants.

However puppies are sometimes born with a disease called liver shunt which hinders the blood. The liver is meant to clean the body by removing toxins and waste products and aid in digestion. Excessive panting vomiting lethargy diarrhea rapid breathing with an erratic or fast heartrate and even jaundice. Zinc is another supplement that is frequently used in dogs with copper associated liver disease.

Canine liver disease in common in dogs. You should give dogs with liver disease a low salt diet.