The liver is the largest solid and essential organ in the body and an integral part of the digestive system. The liver is considered to be the largest gland of the body and has a role in the process of digestion and in the process of detoxification, which helps to metabolize various chemicals and medicines, produce proteins such as albumin, and many others. The liver is the core component of the body and can be considered to be a part of the highly important organ group.
Facts about Liver:
1. Largest gland in the body.
2. It produces bile which helps to
digest fats and is stored in a pouch-like gland called the gall-bladder which
opens into the small intestine.
3. It helps to produce albumin, an
important blood protein.
4. It helps to filter blood via the
process of entero-hepatic recycling.
5. Liver helps and aids in forming
blood clotting factors.
6. Liver also helps to maintain the
balance of Amino Acids in the body.
7. Liver helps to resist infections.
8. It stores certain vitamins such
as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and E and K.
9. Liver helps to store glucose, and
form glucose when needed via a process called gluconeogenesis whenever the
levels of blood glucose are low.
10. It helps to maintain the osmotic
balance of the body.
11. It works meticulously to detoxify various medicines,
toxins, xenobiotics, etc.
TROUBLE FOR LIVER:
The Liver is the
target organ for the coordination of several vital functions. The liver has
good regeneration capacity if faced by an unwanted biological agent. Let us
have a look at some of the commonly encountered Hepatic Diseases:
1. HEPATITIS:
Hepatitis
translates to inflammation of the liver. For instance, certain plants such as
Senecio or Crotalaria are hepatotoxic; so are certain fungi such as
aspergillus. Some Bacterias add to the list such as Leptospira, Salmonella, Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus, Clostridium, etc. For instance, ICHV or Infectious Canine
Hepatitis Virus causes hepatitis in dogs, while FIPV or feline panleukopenia
virus can mingle with the normal functioning of the liver. Other events such as
nutritional deficiencies of Vit E, Choline, Methionine, or excess fat in the diet
can propel hepatic damage. Certain toxic medicines such as paracetamol can
cause immense hepatic damage and at times dogs and cats may succumb to this.
2. JAUNDICE:
Jaundice
is the disease; Bilirubin is a compound commonly found in the blood cells, due
to excessive release of this compound can cause yellowish- discoloration of the
mucous membranes, skin, conjunctiva, etc. commonly called Jaundice.
Jaundice can be
classified into three groups
1.
Pre-Hepatic
Jaundice: The red blood cells are lysed due
to some disease processes such as blood parasites e.g., Babesia, Ehrlichia,
Leptospira, Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia, etc. which causes excessive
bilirubin expulsion via the hemolysis of RBCs than can liver handle at any
given moment, thereby causing jaundice.
2.
Hepatic
Jaundice: Here, impaired conjugation
process due to hepatic cells being diseased. The Bilirubin is thereby expelled
into the bloodstream, directly causing jaundice. This can be commonly observed
in cases of hepatitis.
3. Post-Hepatic Jaundice: If, the bile duct is occluded due to some reason such
as parasites, bile duct stones, stenosis or tumorous growths hampering the
normal release of bile can again cause jaundice.
3. HEPATIC NEOPLASMS:
Neoplasms or new
growth refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells or cancer. This
condition is common in older patients usually >8 years. However, if genetic
and adverse environmental conditions supervene, cancer or hepatic neoplasms can
be seen in younger dogs as well. The most common primary hepatic neoplasm in
dogs is hepatocellular carcinomas. This disease is diagnosed based on routine
tests, MRI/CT, and/or Liver Biopsy.
4. HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY:
Due
to improper Porto-systemic shunt system in dogs, which is a spectrum of
neuropsychiatric abnormalities seen in patients with liver dysfunction. The
most important culprit of neurological signs is Ammonia, which is circulating
in the blood and isn’t adequately processed into a non-toxic substance as the
liver is malfunctioning. Thus, brain cells are damaged due to these circulating
toxic substances, thereby manifesting as a disease process.
The
signs of symptoms of HE are:
·
Circling
·
Head
pressing
·
Seizures
·
Ataxia
·
Aimless
walking
·
Coma
·
Prostration
and death in severe cases.
MANIFESTATIONS OF HEPATIC DYSFUNCTIONS
The liver is an
important organ that is connected to every core activity, right from blood
clotting mechanism to detoxifying harmful toxins, liver does it all. Here are
some of the common clinical manifestations of hepatic dysfunction:
1.
Jaundice: Although not
always attributed to the Liver a cent percent it’s still an important
manifestation in case of hepatic-related diseases such as hepatitis or
cholestasis due to obstruction, etc.
2.
Emaciation, Weight Loss: Due
to chronic hepatitis or some liver-associated lesion, it’s common to see
emaciation and weight loss in our furry friends.
3.
Oedema: In sick Liver,
Albumin isn’t produced in sufficient quantities, thus albumin is not available
in sufficient amounts in the bloodstream. Albumin is an essential protein that
helps maintain the hydrostatic pressure and if decreased can cause ascites or edema
and observed cases of Hepatic Failure.
4.
Nervous Signs: In cases of
hepatic encephalopathy, nervous signs such as Head Pressing, Circling,
Seizures, Ataxia could be observed
5.
Haemorrhage: The liver is
involved in manufacturing essential blood clotting factors, without which
there’s an increased chance of spontaneous hemorrhage
6. Vomiting: Vomiting is a non-specific sign
which could be attributed to a hepatic-related disorder. Although it is
important to rule out other reasons such as digestive malfunctions.
LIVER DISEASES DIAGNOSIS
1. BLOOD REPORTS-
The
standard test for detecting liver dysfunction is via running a Complete Blood
Test that can be easily diagnosed based on CBC (Complete Blood Count) and LFT
(Liver Function Test). These tests check several different parameters in the
blood.
2. PALPATION AND PERCUSSION:
On physical exam,
your vet will try and palpate the abdomen to locate the edge of the liver and
notice any signs of hepatic enlargement [hepatomegaly] or any sort of pain
response that can be elicited on deep percussion.
3. LIVER BIOPSY:
For more complicated
Hepatic/liver-related dysfunctions, such as fatty infiltrations, Toxicity of
Copper, Zinc, Lead, or to further investigate neoplasia [cancer], etc Liver
Biopsy is the gold standard test. The biopsy helps to differentiate and
diagnose the exact cause of liver dysfunction.
4. USG:
Ultrasonography helps
us to have a closer look at the internal structures which are anatomically and
physiologically closely related to the liver. Through USG it becomes possible
to locate any abnormalities in the abdominal area, and have a closer look at
the digestive organs such as the pancreas, liver, intestines, kidneys, etc.
5. RADIOGRAPHY:
X-RAY is an important
tool in diagnostics. Through XRAYs the entire abdominal cavity and/or chest
cavity can be evaluated simultaneously depending upon the area of focus.
Hepatomegaly or liver enlargement can be observed in radiography as well.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL:
The
liver as an organ is always well taken care of in diseases other than those
originating from the liver itself. Liver supplements are also indicated for
suspected liver dysfunctions. Some vets do suggest liver tonics and supplements
for growing puppies and kittens as it helps to elevate immunity as well as
improvise growth.
The treatment
protocol varies considerably as no two hepatic diseases are the same, and thus
each one requires specifically tailored diets/food, medicines, and other
essential support.
Livomate Drops for Pets is a
homeopathic liver supplement that helps provide extra cushioning support to the
liver in regeneration and repair. It helps to combat anorexia, vomiting, and indigestion
associated with liver pathology.
Livomate is one such product that helps to manage hepatic related disorders by natural means and provides relief in conjunction with other ongoing treatment protocols.
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