Liver disease affects animals differently. Jennifer L. Garcia, DVM, discusses common clinical signs associated with liver disease and individualized dietary plans to consider. Senior veterinarians can use this article when mentoring associate DVMs and technicians.
Source: DVM 360, March 7, 2016.
Patients with liver disease will require special dietary considerations, but dietary management will require an individualized approach that takes the underlying disease process and concurrent medical issues into consideration.
Source: JAAHA, January/February 2016. (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.