Enlarged Liver

[t-time]

My SIL 9 yr old small X bred dog has been diagnosed with an enlarged liver and there doesn't seem to be any reason.

She's had an ultrasound (I thought it may have been a shunt) but nothing showed up except for the size of the liver.

No baits or poisons around directly obvious, although my SIL can't be positive that the dog hasn't gotten into something.

She spent 2 nights in vet hospital on fluids and has been sent home with no-fat diet instructions, watch her water intake and antibiotics.

The dog hasn't improved in the 2 days she's been back home, won't eat (not regular and she is a chunky, slightly overweight dog), totally lethargic - normally bouncy and happy - seems to be in pain according to SIL.

So, any ideas about causes or suggestions on diet or special liver cleansing tonics??

Any help much appreciated

ETA: bloods and urine apparently normal.

Edited April 24, 2010 by t-time

[Stitch]

I would suggest boiled chicken (skin removed) plus veges. & rice.

No added salt but if you include celery in the veges it gives enough taste to the mix.

I boil chicken legs then remove the skin & bones when cooked, then I boil the veges & rice in the chicken stock and cut up the chicken and add it back into the veges. when they are cooked.

Edited April 24, 2010 by STITCH

[t-time]

Thanks stitch

I actually told her this very recipe just prior to posting LOL! So at least we are all on the same page.

[dogbesotted]

as well as diet i wouyld be giving a liver detox supplement... st mary's thistle ( milk thistle) is excellent.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/milk-thistle-000266.htm

h

[becks]

if it is a no fat diet, i wouldn't be using the skin or the chicken stock to cook. just keep it plain and simple.

Are you sure it is no fat? My dog with liver problems is on a low protein and high fat diet atm along with a 3 week course of ABs

[t-time]

Interesting Becks....she definitely said Minnie was placed on a Low Fat diet - they were seeing if it made a difference. Vets are trying to treat her for Pancreatitis (sp?) as they've run out of ideas about the liver. I will see if they can focus on the diet a little more.

Chicken soup for Minnie contains, steamed Chicken breast only - no skin - veges and water - no salt or stock but I've said she can add some rice and/or mashed pumpkin to bulk it up a little.

Dogbesotted - thanks for the milk thistle tip - guess it can't hurt to try at this stage and that is exactly the kind of "tonic" I was looking for. Turmeric is another one FYI

[~Archie~]

I have heard wonderful things about Denosyl for liver issues. It helps to detoxify the liver.

[t-time]

Thanks Archie - never heard of this product - where do you get it?

[~Archie~]

Thanks Archie - never heard of this product - where do you get it?

Thru vets only unfortunately, but it's over the counter product, so just bring it up with your vet that you want to try it and if they don't have it get them to order it in. It's not a prescription product.

[t-time]

Ta! I'll also pass this on when I speak to her tomorrow night.