Raw Feeding for IBD Cats - Healing can happen! IBD is caused by gut dysbiosis, the source of inflammation. Fresh, species-appropriate food and proper probiotics to re. Having a species-appropriate diet means animals must consume the foods they are designed to eat. Treatments . For example, if trauma was the trigger, hospitalization while the dog recovers from the impact of the trauma may be all that is required. On the other hand, antibiotics may be needed if a bacterial infection is at the root of the disease. Furthermore, when liver disease is caused by another medical condition such as cancer or anemia, these additional medical circumstances will need to be taken into account. In addition to certain medications, dietary adjustments and supplements can be very useful when attempting to treat canine liver disease. Dietary changes can include adjusting the amounts of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals that a dog ingests. This will then ensure that the canine patient is receiving the nutrition it needs and will also help to decrease the stress and workload of the liver. Natural herbs and substances such as burdock and greater celandine have properties that assist with the purification of blood, the stimulation of digestive enzymes, and the protection of the liver from toxic substances. Also, some such substances have anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Milk thistle is another natural ingredient that is known to be very effective in cases of canine liver disease. This natural substance acts as an antioxidant like vitamin E, stimulates production of new livercells, and helps to prevent certain toxins from attaching to the liver. Thus, many natural substances and remedies can be very beneficial for dogs suffering from liver disease. However, it is always important to carry out any form of treatment under the supervision of a qualified veterinary doctor. SPECIFIC TREATMENTS AND PROGNOSESPortal Vascular Abnormalities. Fluids and Electrolytes – This corrects the dehydration that occurs with a poor appetite and supplies needed sodium, potassium, and chloride. This fluid is usually given intravenously (IV) at first. Petsthat are severely ill from PSS should not be given anything orally initially. Cleansing Enemas – Enema’s will decrease the bacterial count of the intestines, leading to less ammonia absorption. Lactulose – Lactulose works in the large intestine to minimize the production of ammonia by bacteria. It does this by changing the p. H and converting ammonia to a form that is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. It also stimulates normal colon bacteria to absorb ammonia, which is then passed in the feces. Finally, it stimulates the intestines so that ammonia passes through faster, which means there is less time for absorption. Antibiotics – These drugs are also administered, especially if mental depression is present. They minimize the bacteria count in the colon, thus reducing the amount of ammonia that is absorbedfrom the intestines into the bloodstream. They work well with lactulose to decrease the ammonia level. Dietary Modification – A diet that is restricted in protein may be beneficial because less ammonia is produced as a by- product of metabolism. This protein needs to be of high biological value, such as eggs and dairy products. Meat based proteins should be avoided since they can increase the chance of HE. Most of the caloric needs of a pet with PSS should be supplied with carbohydrates like rice and pasta. Higher fiber diets might also be helpful, as long as the dog or cat is not undernourished. They can act to minimize ammonia production and absorption in a manner that is similar to lactulose. Surgical – For many PSS cases surgery is the treatment of choice. The abnormal vessel that is shunting blood around the liver is identified and closed (ligated) to minimize blood flowing through it. When the abnormal blood vessel is ligated blood will now flow through the liver instead of around it. This is readily accomplished for solitary extrahepatic shunts. Intrahepatic shunts can be more difficultto identify and ligate. Post surgical monitoring is important. If the pressure within the liver becomes too high due to the increased blood flow through the liver then the ligation on the shunting vessel(s) must be reduced or removed. In some cases medical management must also be utilized to affect a cure. The final outcome of treatment depends on what age the PSS started, how long it has been present, and whether it is intrahepatic (worse prognosis) or extrahepatic in nature. Long Term Monitoring – Pets on long term medical care need to be monitored carefully. Body weight, albumin, and total protein are watched to ensure adequate protein in the diet. Initially, these tests should be performed monthly, then every 3 months. To understand gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, it is first necessary to understand what causes heartburn. Most people will experience heartburn if the lining. Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer. It has peculiar geographical distribution being common in central and South America, central and eastern Europe. WebMD explains why the BRAT diet is no longer recommended for children with an upset stomach. Read medical definition of Porcelain gallbladder. Porcelain gallbladder: Calcification of the wall of the gallbladder. The gallbladder looks on ultrasound. Endoscopic images Copyright © Atlanta South Gastroenterology, P.C. All rights reserved. Logo is Registered Trademark ® of Atlanta South Gastroenterology, P.C. Specialized Cells of the GI System. The GI system includes a number of highly specialized cell types, each differentiated to perform a specific function. Rad Cat ® Raw Diet is a premium, all-natural, complete, and balanced raw diet formulated exclusively for the domestic feline carnivore. We produce the original grain. Info about the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in dogs and cats. Heal their bloating, diarrhea and vomiting with holistic supplements. In addition to the above tests, bile acids are monitored monthly, then every three months to assess the vitality of the liver. Blood ammonia levels are monitored monthly to assess effectiveness of treatment. When stable, ammonia levels can be monitored every 3 months. Prognosis – Many pets with isolated extrahepatic shunts return to a normal life after surgery. There is no guarantee that surgery will correct the problem, especially those pets that develop the disease very early in life. Some of them will need medical management simultaneously. The prognosis for pets that are treated only medically varies. Chronic Active Hepatitis. Fluids and Electrolytes – This corrects the dehydration that occurs with a poor appetite and supplies needed sodium, potassium, and chloride. This fluid is usually given intravenously (IV) at first. It can be given subcutaneously (SQ) at home after the initial dehydration is corrected. B- Complex vitamins are routinely added to the fluid bag. Care must be taken not to give excessive amounts of fluids, especially if they contain sodium, in pets with fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites). Treating the Cause (when known) – Antibiotics are used to control bacterial infections and drugs that are suspected of causing this disease are stopped. We tend to use antibiotics that have minimal need for liver metabolism in order to minimize their toxic effects. Rest – The liver has ability to heal itself if the disease is not too advanced. Rest can be a big aid, along with proper nutrition. Ascites Reduction – Sodium restriction helps minimize fluid buildup (ascites) in the abdomen. This can be accomplished using Hills K/D Prescription Diet. Diuretics like Lasix are also used to help pull this fluid out of the abdomen. Dietary Modification – Using a diet that is restricted in protein may be beneficial because less ammonia is produced as a by- product of metabolism. This protein needs to be of high biological value, such as eggs and dairy products. Meat based proteins should be avoided since they can increase the chance of HE. Higher fiber diets might also be helpful, as long as the dog or cat is not undernourished. This is the same basic diets as for pets with PSS (see above). A diseased liver needs calories, which sometimes need to be supplied with a feeding tube. Ulcer Treatment – This will make pets more comfortable, more inclined to eat, and prevent bleeding in the stomach. Liver Specific Drugs: Corticosteroids – Cortisone is used if there is evidence that the immune system is implicated as a causeof the liver problem. Ursodiol – This drug replaces toxic bile acids with a type of bile that is less toxic. Zinc Supplementation – Might help reduce the effects of copper toxicity. Long Term Monitoring – CCHID monitoring is similar to PSS (see above). In addition, repeating a liver biopsy 6 months after initiating therapy used. Infectious Canine Hepatitis. Like most viral diseases therapy is directed towards symptoms. When symptoms are severe enough, intravenous fluids are administered. Since clotting factors can be disrupted particular attention needs to be paid to bleeding problems. If bleeding problems are severe enough, a whole blood transfusion must be administered. Dogs that are comatose may need intravenous glucose. Copper Toxicosis (Copper Storage Disease)Treatment has two goals – Enhance excretion of excess copper, and minimize further absorption of copper from the intestines. Chelating agents – Drugs like penicillamine bind with copper to allow easier excretion. Zinc – Zinc will help minimize further copper absorption from the intestines. Supportive Care – Similar to other liver diseases previously described. Long Term Monitoring – Serum, enzymes, and bilirubin should be monitored at least every 6 months. Cancer. Primary hepatic neoplasms are treated by removal of the affected liver lobe when possible. If multiple lobes are involved then surgery is usually not performed. Secondary hepatic neoplasms are treated with chemotherapy. The results vary, and depend on the duration, location, and degree of malignancy of the neoplasia. The prognosis is poor for long term survival. Supportive care that is similar to other liver diseases is also used in neoplasia.**Information from this section was compiled from the following sources: http: //www. Tags: antibiotics, canine, chelating agents, corticosteroids, diet, dog, enemas, fluids, lactulose, liver disease, milk thistle, rest, Sam- e, sodium, supportive care, surgery, toxins, treatment, ursodiol, vitamin k, zinc.
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