B20. Dietetics of Liver Diseases (Dogs, Cats)

Question 1

Function of liver

Answer 1

• Regulates most chemical in the blood and excretes bile
• Help carry away waste products
• Help with digestion and blood clotting

Question 2

Symptoms of liver disease

Answer 2

• Jaundice due to bilirubinemia
• GI symptoms; inappetence, vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, PU/PD, change in faces color (depending on bile)
• Ascites caused by congestion
• Coagulopathies
• Hepatic encephalopathy would lead to neurological signs such as ataxia due to poor detoxification

Question 3

Parameters to check in the blood

Answer 3

Bile acids, ammonia, albumin, enzymes (gamma – GLDH), bilirubin

Question 4

Causes

Answer 4

o Congenital (PSS) or acquired (liver cirrhosis or congestion) shunts
o Viral canine hepatitis
o Leptospirosis
o Toxins (e.g. aflatoxins)

Question 5

Pathophys/problem?

Answer 5

Hepatic cells degenerated, not able to remove waste products/metabolites

Question 6

Aim of feeding

Answer 6

o	Reduce the metabolic load
o	Support and restore liver functions
o	Avoid hepatic encephalopathy
o	Malnutrition (anorexia, vomitus, digestion decrease)

Question 7

Nutritional management

Answer 7

• Highly digestible feed: Short chain amino acids
• High energy in CHO form
• Give BV protein (Meat, poultry, fish, egg) but in very restricted amount (decrease to 13 – 16%)
• Prebiotics: Decrease ammonia that is absorbed and decrease work on liver.