Liver Disease

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                      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

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.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  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.



2.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



3.  Diet:  A proper diet is essential in treating liver disease.

    Feed as follows:





4.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





5.  Special instructions:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet has bleeding from the gums, skin or eyes.



    * Your pet has dark or bloody stools and/or blood in the urine.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet acts dazed or confused, or has seizures.



    * Your pet seems weak or faints.