Tasks of the liver

• Storage of nutrients
• Production of proteins
• Activation and breakdown of hormones
• Synthesis of lipids and lipoproteins, such as triacylglycerides, phosphoglycerides, sphingolipids
• Synthesis of cholesterol and bile acids
• Detoxification and defense function
• Protein and sugar metabolism

The liver fulfills numerous functions as a metabolic center - all absorbed substances reach the liver. They are stored there, processed or distributed further in the organism. The hepatocytes process nutrients from the pet's food and pass them on to the required cells. The liver also serves to store glycogen, lipoproteins, vitamins, iron and blood. It keeps these substances available until they are needed. The liver is also the synthesis site for proteins. For example, many blood coagulation factors, acute phase proteins, albumin, antithrombin and plasminogen are synthesized here. The synthesis of bile acids and cholesterol for digestion also takes place here. Thyroid hormones and vitamin D are activated in the liver, while sex and growth hormones as well as insulin and glucagon are broken down. Toxins and medicines are rendered harmless in the liver through conversion and degradation and are passed out of the body via the bile or urine. This also applies to degradation products such as bilirubin, which is produced by the conversion of haemoglobin. If liver dysfunction leads to a loss of its detoxifying function, this bilirubin can accumulate and jaundice can develop. In short, the liver is essential for various vital bodily functions.

Liver function parameters

• Albumin, urea, glucose, cholesterol, fibrinogen
• Ammonia, bilirubin, bile acid

Causes

There are many causes of liver disease. They can be triggered by bacteria, viruses or parasites. However, damage to the hepatocytes due to injuries and circulatory disorders are also possible.

Racial predisposition

Racial predispositions are also present in chronic hepatopathies. In particular, idiopathic chronic hepatitis occurs in Labradors, Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels and West Highland White Terriers. Breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier, Skye Terrier and other spaniel breeds have a predisposition to chronic hepatitis caused by copper storage disease. Dogs of these breeds can suffer liver disease more quickly when exposed to all kinds of stress.

The use of chemical medications and preparations can lead to side effects such as acute hepatitis. These occur because the liver is responsible for transforming and eliminating the chemical substances. With appropriate, moderate use of chemical substances, this function of the liver is maintained. In addition, liver stress increases through contact with toxins such as pesticides, insecticides or plant toxins from the environment.

Feeding-related liver disease

Hepatopathies can be caused by the feed. Low-quality ingredients cause increased metabolic performance of the liver. The liver now has to make a greater metabolic effort and eliminate more degradation products. If feed is contaminated and contains bacteria or mycoses, toxins formed can enter the metabolic cycle despite their death and place an additional burden on the liver. The ratio of feed components is also crucial for liver health. In particular, a high fat content in the feed can keep the liver busy metabolizing the fat and thus impair other functions. An oversupply of protein can put additional strain on a weakened liver.

Therapy of liver diseases in dogs

The treatment of hepatopathies depends on the type and cause. In the case of acute liver damage, the first step is to eliminate the trigger and stabilize the patient. Then, as with chronic liver diseases, the regeneration of the liver is supported by relieving the organ as much as possible. The regeneration of the liver can be supported by the use of hepatoprotective and bile-stimulating substances. In addition, animal patients require an adapted diet to ensure normal metabolic processes in the liver and to reduce the concentration of metabolic toxins produced - while ensuring sufficient energy intake.