Nutritional Considerations for Dogs and Cats with Liver Disease

Abstract

The goals of nutritional management of liver disease in the dog and cat are directed at treating the clinical manifestations as opposed to treating the underlying cause. Specifically, the clinician strives to avoid overwhelming the remaining metabolic capacities of the damaged liver while providing sufficient nutrients for regeneration. A brief overview of liver diseases and associated clinical signs encountered in the dog and cat and a review of specific nutrients are discussed as well as amounts and sources of nutrients recommended to meet nutritional goals in the diseased liver.

First detailed nutritional survey in a referral companion animal population

“…To our knowledge, the present study is the first detailed nutritional surveys based on the 5th VA guidelines (Freeman et al., ) in referral patients. As tailored nutrition contributes to the treatment of many chronically ill patients (Elliott et al., ; Gottlieb and Rand, ; Norton et al., ), physiological status, body composition, nutrition and diet management may differ significantly from healthy animals for the current selected population. Unfortunately, at time of referral, very few owners had received a dietary recommendation from their first‐line veterinarian.…”

Evidences on Molecules Most Frequently Included in Canine and Feline Complementary Feed to Support Liver Function

“…colchicine and D-penicillamine), antioxidants (e.g. ursodeoxycholic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, and silymarin), dietary management, and management of any possible complications [2][3][4].…”

Effect of an oral dietary supplementation by a formulation based on silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats with liver diseases

“…Common hepatic diseases in small animals, including acute or chronic hepatitis, vascular anomalies, toxic liver diseases, hepatic lipidosis, and neoplasia, present a wide range of clinical signs, according with the nature and severity of disease. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyporexia are frequent early signs of liver diseases whereas hypoglycemia, petechiae, melena, and hematochezia are prevalent signs of advanced liver disease with decreased functional liver mass (Norton et al, 2016). Icterus, polyuria, and polydipsia can be observed at any stage, depending on the etiology of the liver disease (Norton et al, 2016).…”

“…Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyporexia are frequent early signs of liver diseases whereas hypoglycemia, petechiae, melena, and hematochezia are prevalent signs of advanced liver disease with decreased functional liver mass (Norton et al, 2016). Icterus, polyuria, and polydipsia can be observed at any stage, depending on the etiology of the liver disease (Norton et al, 2016). The diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline liver diseases have dramatically improved over the last 20 years due to the growing interest in hepatic histology and the hard work of small animal pathologists and clinicians to obtain a definitive diagnosis.…”

“…As liver functions decrease, the risk for presence of free radicals and oxidative injury increases. Several dietary supplements such as vitamins, L-carnitine, curcumin, and silymarin (extract of milk thistle), through their antioxidant action, could prevent liver damage and promote hepatocellular repair (Norton et al, 2016). In this study, we evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of long-term treatment with a multi-component, dietary supplement containing functional natural ingredients with recognized hepatoprotective properties in cats suffering from liver diseases.…”