LIVER DISEASE
General Information:
The liver is a large organ located in the most forward
part of the abdomen, resting against the muscular partition between
the abdominal and chest cavities. The liver is essential for life
and performs over 100 important functions, such as detoxifying
poisons and drugs, metabolizing fats, storing carbohydrates, manufacturing
bile, plasma proteins and other substances, and assisting in blood
clotting.
Liver disease is often difficult to detect until
the illness becomes severe because there is an overabundance of
liver tissue and the liver can partially regenerate itself. The
signs of liver disease vary with the degree and location of damage.
Various blood tests are necessary to discover the extent and the
nature of liver damage. In many cases, surgical removal of a small
piece of liver tissue (liver biopsy) is the only way to diagnose
the type of liver disease.
Treatment Information:
Some types of liver disease can only be treated in
the hospital, while others are treated on an outpatient basis.
Some liver diseases can be cured, while in others the goal of
treatment is control of the disease.
- Give all medication as directed. Call your veterinarian's
office if you cannot give the medication.
- Diet: A proper diet is essential in treating liver disease.
- Follow your veterinarian's instructions TO THE LETTER.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest
for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your
veterinarian's office, or feel free to
e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC
