Dogs Liver and Pancreas Articles

Your dog's liver and pancreas work together to make the digestion process run smoothly and efficiently. The liver stores essential Vitamins A, D, E, and K and it produces bile, which is crucial to the breakdown of fats. The pancreas plays an important role in controlling blood sugar by secreting insulin and glucagons – two very important hormones. The pancreas also produces pancreatic juices. These juices contain digestive enzymes that help breakdown food. If the dog liver and pancreas malfunction, a number of conditions can develop. Learn how to keep your pet’s liver and pancreas healthy, the types of dog liver and pancreatic diseases, symptoms, and treatment.

• What to Do If Your Diabetic Dog Won’t Eat

  A diabetic dog who will not eat is not something to ignore. Many diabetic canines are given insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels, but giving insulin to a dog who has not eaten for some time can be extremely dangerous.

• Understanding Insulin Action for Diabetic Pets

  Diabetes can be a serious condition but with insulin action it is manageable. It is one of the few conditions that can affect animals and humans.

• Understanding Diabetes in Dogs

  Diabetes in dogs is similar to diabetes in humans; it is caused by an insulin deficiency. The insulin is a hormone that helps the metabolizing of sugar.

• Treating Canine Liver Disease with SAM-e

  The liver affects blood clotting, stores vitamins, produces bile, and is essential to the digestive process. Canine liver disease can seriously affect your dog's health and quality of life.

• Tips for Managing Liver Diseases in Dogs

  Liver diseases in dogs can be fatal as the liver is an important organ that maintains good health in pets. Although the liver is resilient and can function well even when two thirds of the organ has been damaged, any additional damage can cause a number of symptoms.

• The Two Types of Insulin for Dogs With Diabetes

  When a veterinarian prescribes insulin for dogs with diabetes, there are several factors that he must take into consideration to determine the type of insulin he will prescribe.

• The Life Expectancy of Dogs with Diabetes

  What is the life expectancy for dogs with diabetes is the first question pet owners ask when their pet develops this disease. The number of diabetic dogs increases yearly.

• The Genetics of Diabetes in Dogs

  Dogs with diabetes develop the disease due to age, disease, injury or genetic predisposition. While research on diabetic dogs isn't as extensive as that for humans...

• The 5 Most Common Dog Liver Diseases

  The dog liver is the largest organ and it is involved in almost every biochemical reaction in the body. Its primary function is removing toxins from the blood and it can continue to function in this capacity, even with extensive damage-up to twenty-five percent tissue loss.

• Tests for Liver Disease in Dogs

  This is done after at least a twelve hour fast. Blood is then drawn for a baseline value for bile acids. A small meal is fed right away and then blood is drawn again in two hours. If the bile acids are elevated significantly on either test, or if there is a significant rise in bile acids between the first and second blood samples

• Symptoms of Pancreas Problems in Dogs

  There are varying symptoms of pancreas problems in dogs that can be indicative of multiple ailments. The pancreas provides digestive enzymes manufactured by the acinar cells and insulin for sugar metabolism produced by the iselet cells.

• Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

  Hypoglycemia is a condition also known as low blood sugar. The normal blood sugar in dogs is between 80 and 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood.

• Symptoms of Elevated Dog Liver Enyzmes

  Symptoms of elevated dog liver enzymes are dependent upon which enzymes are at abnormal levels and the degree to which those enzymes are elevated. The liver performs many metabolic functions including the removal of waste products, detoxification of the blood, secretion of bile for fat metabolism and production of blood-clotting factors.

• Symptoms of a Canine Liver Shunt

  A canine liver will sometimes have issues with cleansing impurities because a shunt is redirecting the blood. Many of the symptoms are common to other illnesses...

• Renal Failure in Dogs

  The most basic part of treatment for canine renal failure is fluid therapy. Aggressive fluid therapy early in renal failure (it is important to be certain the kidneys are at least producing some urine output before getting TOO aggressive) can make a big difference in prognosis. Even in chronic renal failure administration of fluids can be very helpful.

• Prevention and Treatment for Pancreatitis in Dogs

  Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition that develops as the result of inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is the sole the producer of insulin, which assists in metabolic function by regulating blood sugar.

• Preventing Liver Failure In Dogs By Removing External Toxins

  Liver failure in dogs can occur from a host of sources. Your dog can get a bacterial infection, or an existing health condition can lead to liver failure.

• Preventing Canine Pancreatitis Through Proper Diet

  Canine pancreatitis is a condition where the dog's pancreas becomes inflamed due to digestive enzymes eating through the living tissue. If allowed to progress, other tissue becomes involved, potentially causing involvement with the liver and creating other problem conditions such as diabetes mellitus.

• Polydipsia in Dogs

  If your dog has begun to drink an abnormal amount of water, Polydipsia may to be to blame.

• Pancreatitis in Dogs

  Pancreatitis in dogs is a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is the organ responsible for the production of insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and also for the production of pancreatic enzymes which help your dog digest his food.

• Pancreatitis and Pancreas Problems 2

  Dr. Mike, We have a 2-1/2 yr. old miniature schnauzer, Duffy, that is having some difficulty with his pancreas. We lost a 5 yr. old. two years ago to pancreatitis so are reaching out to stave off this horrible ailment before we lose our precious Duffy.

• Pancreatitis and Pancreas Problems

  Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by leakage of active digestive enzymes into the pancreatic tissue. This causes various clinical signs but most pets affected by acute pancreatitis have abdominal pain, depression and decreased appetite or lack of appetite.

• Pancreas Problems in Dogs

  The pancreas is an essential organ in the dog’s body. Pancreas problems may arise due to obesity or aging. Pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus are the most common pancreas problems in canines and it is a dangerous condition if left untreated.

• Natural Treatments for Dogs’ Liver Disease

  Dogs' liver disease can be caused by a number of health issues and can be difficult to detect until the end stages of failure. There are many traditional and conventional treatments for this condition.

• Milk Thistle Treatment for Dog Liver Disease

  If you're looking for options to treat dog liver disease, an herb called milk thistle may be an effective alternative treatment. Not only has research shown that milk thistle is safe for dogs, but the traditional medical industry has accepted this as one of the few herbs that qualifies for safe and reliable medical treatment under their guidelines.

• Medications for Managing Dog Liver Disease Symptoms

  Treatment of dog liver disease depends on the cause of the damage and extent of the disease. In some cases, medication might not even be useful except to treat some of the symptoms such as dehydration and vomiting.

• Medication - Rimadyl

  Almost every medication that is used in veterinary medicine has the potential to cause side effects. Many of them have the potential to cause death as a side effect. The list of these medications is very long.

• Managing Liver Disease in Dogs with Corticosteroids

  Liver disease in dogs is a general term that describes a series of medical conditions that affect the liver, which range from hepatitis and hepatic lipidosis to cancer. Despite featuring similar symptoms, these canine health problems have different causes and hence, are treated in different ways.

• Managing Dog Diabetes With Vetsulin

  Vetsulin is a type of insulin used to manage dog and cat diabetes. Along with monitoring blood glucose levels at home, using Vetsulin to regulate dog insulin...

• Liver Tumors in Dogs

  Liver tumors in dogs are not uncommon, especially in ones middle-aged or older. These tumors are usually benign, but they can often become dangerous for the animal's health.

• Liver Support for Dogs

  Liver support for dogs is very important as the liver is one of the most important organs in your pet’s body and a healthy liver is crucial to his health.

• Liver Shunts and Vascular Anomalies

  Some dogs with portosystemic shunts can be maintained long term with dietary therapy, combined with lactulose and an antibiotic such as neosporin or metronidazole. However, surgery is still considered to be the best option for most dogs with this problem.

• Liver shunt

  Liver shunts are a congenital problem in some dogs. During gestation the placenta delivers blood with food and oxygen from the mother through the umbilical vein.

• Liver Problems in Dogs: Holistic Treatment

  Most dogs with liver problems benefit greatly from a holistic treatment approach, which requires a change in your dog's lifestyle as well as the use of medication.

• Liver Inflammation in Dogs

  Liver inflammation in dogs is often referred to as hepatitis or canine liver disease, however all forms of verbiage essentially indicate the same thing: the liver is inflamed. The liver plays a contributory role in metabolism and energy conversion and storage.

• Liver Disease in Dogs - Hepatic Nodular Hyperplasia

  There is a condition in dogs, hepatic nodular hyperplasia, which causes lumps on the liver that look just like cancer but are benign lesions. It is usually possible for the pathologist to identify this condition from a biopsy sample, but the sample does have to come from an affected area, which is one of the problems with needle biopsies—they produce small samples. 

• Liver Disease in Dogs

  Ultrasound examination can sometimes detect portosystemic shunts, gall bladder stones, bile obstructions and tumors in the liver (and probably some other things that aren't coming to mind right now). Liver biopsy allows specific diagnosis of conditions that affect most of the liver, such as cholangiohepatitis and chronic active hepatitis.

• Liver Cleansing Diet for Dogs

  A liver cleansing diet is beneficial to dogs that have liver disease. It also benefits pets that have been on medical treatment for a long duration or dogs that are prone to epileptic attacks and seizures.

• Liver Cirrhosis in Dogs

  Liver cirrhosis in dogs refers to the damage done to the liver by disease or poison, rather than to any disease of the liver in itself.

• Liver Cancer in Dogs

  There are two different types of liver cancer in dogs, primary and metastatic neoplasia. The liver plays an important role in detoxifying substances that circulates in the body.

• Liver Cancer and Tumors in Dogs

  The type of cancer present has a tremendous influence on how well chemotherapy will work. If you can tell me what the cancer is (if there has been a biopsy) I will look into it more specifically. In general, though, chemotherapy usually does prolong the lifespan of patients who are treated with it.

• Liver Biospy for Dogs

  A liver biopsy is a procedure used to examine pieces of the liver in a laboratory setting. By extracting a small piece of a dog’s liver, laboratory testing can help determine whether a dog has any liver disease, enlargement, obstruction or other abnormalities of the liver.

• Itching Problems - Causes and Treatments

  Insulinomas, the tumor of the pancreas that leads to low blood sugar and high insulin production, will commonly metastasize (some people say this tumor always metastasizes) and recurrences of the tumor after removal do occur in most patients.

• Is Surgery Necessary for Pancreatitis in Dogs?

  Pancreatitis in dogs is not uncommon but can be painful and life-threatening if not treated. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and aids in the metabolism of sugar through the production of insulin and is necessary for digesting nutrients.

• Is Surgery Necessary for Pancreatitis in Dogs?

  Pancreatitis in dogs is not uncommon but can be painful and life-threatening if not treated. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and aids in the metabolism of sugar through the production of insulin and is necessary for digesting nutrients.

• Insulinomas - tumors of the pancreas

  Insulinomas, the tumor of the pancreas that leads to low blood sugar and high insulin production, will commonly metastasize (some people say this tumor always metastasizes) and recurrences of the tumor after removal do occur in most patients. It is a good idea to have chest X-rays taken prior to making a surgical decision, since it would be much less likely to help if there are already visible tumors in the chest.

• Insulin Management for Diabetic Dogs

  Diabetic dogs require a balance of medication, diet and exercise to properly control their diabetes. All of these components play key roles in keeping the diabetic dog healthy and active.

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis Symptoms

  Infectious canine hepatitis symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions with less dire consequences.

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis

  Canine hepatitis is a highly infectious and contagious virus caused by type 1 of the adenovirus. It mainly affects the liver and can cause fatality in unhealthy dogs almost immediately after symptoms are noticed.

• Hypocalcemia - Low blood calcium levels in Dogs

  Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can be indicative of a number of conditions so there are other possibilities. In addition, calcium is one of the lab values that seems to have a high error rate in lab testing. Finally, calcium is bound to albumin (a form of protein) in the blood stream and if albumin levels are low

• How Much Does Dog Diabetes Cost to Manage?

  Pet owners worry about the cost of caring for dog diabetes. Test strips, insulin, needles and special diets cost money.

• Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs

  Hepatic encephalopathy is central nervous system illness caused by severe liver disease. To the best of my knowledge, liver failure is the only cause of increased ammonia levels in the bloodstream other than ingestion of ammonia containing products.

• Guidelines for Managing Canine Kidney Failure

  Canine kidney failure can be a painful and slow-developing disease. Left untreated or unidentified, it is a fatal condition. It typically occurs in older dogs, whose kidneys have gradually lost their capacity to process and eliminate toxins and waste from the body.

• Gastric, Liver and Prostactic carcinomas, adenomas and Adenocarcinoma in dogs

  When the entire tumor is removed and there is no evidence of metastasis to surrounding lymph nodes or organs at the time of surgery the prognosis is still guarded, meaning that recurrence of the tumor is likely even in this case. The average life expectancy post surgery for this type of tumor is probably only six months to a year

• Gall Bladder problems in dogs

  If the gallbladder is not functioning properly it will almost always cause problems with the liver. Usually, if sludging of bile in the bile ducts or gallbladder occurs then there is a rise in the alkaline phophatase level and there is usually a rise in the ALT as well.

• Foods to Avoid When Managing Dog Diabetes

  Careful attention to diet promotes healthy insulin levels in dog diabetes. Following a strict veterinary diet is the best way to prevent unhealthy blood sugar levels...

• Foods for Dogs with Pancreatitis

  The foods for dogs that are suffering from pancreatitis is limited, but there are plenty of options out there. Pancreatitis is caused by the inflammation of the pancreas and the overproduction of digestive enzymes.

• Feeding Diabetic Dogs

  Canine Diabetes is a serious disease that can have life-threatening complications, so diet is very important for a canine with diabetes. Diabetic dogs require a special feeding plan that will help control their blood glucose levels and reduce post prandial hyperglycemia.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

  Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, also known as maldigestion syndrome, represents a health condition characterized by a lack of digestive enzymes. The acinar cells, which are found in the pancreas, are responsible for producing the aforementioned enzymes.

• Early Detection of Diabetes in Dogs

  Diabetes in dogs can have severe consequences if not detected in a timely manner. A diabetic dog can show early signs of diabetes, which should be an alarming sign and a visit to the vet should be made to confirm the diagnostic.

• Dogs with Liver Problems: Monitoring Urination

  Dogs with liver problems require a certain amount of health supervision from their owners, including monitoring the dog's urination.

• Dog Supplements for Canine Liver Support

  Because the liver play such an important role in your dog's body, liver support for dogs suffering from liver disease is crucial to a healthy, comfortable life. Liver disease can't be cured, but there are supplements available that can strengthen liver functions in an impaired dog.

• Dog Pancreatitis Symptoms

  Dog pancreatitis is a condition that typically affects the pancreas of middle-aged to older dogs, but can strike at any age. The pancreas is a small organ that is located near the stomach and is a necessary part of the digestive system, excreting enzymes to help with the body’s processing of food.

• Dog Pancreatitis Recovery Tips

  Dog pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and begins to malfunction, causing pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Pancreatitis can be caused by a number of factors, and dogs that develop this condition are at a higher risk for recurrence.

• Dog Pancreas Problems

  Dog pancreas problems can be serious and lead to devastating health problems or even death. The dog pancreas is responsible for a number of functions in helping to keep the digestive system in order and working properly.

• Dog Liver Enzymes

  Dog liver disease is detected by monitoring the enzymes of the liver. When liver enzymes are elevated, it is usually an indication that liver disease is present.

• Dog Insulin Resistance

  Dog insulin resistance sometimes occurs in diabetic dogs. Insulin resistance is typically identified when a dog receiving a standard amount of insulin for his weight consistently has elevated blood sugar levels for the majority of the day.

• Diagnosing Dog Liver Disease Through Biopsies and Blood Tests

  Dog liver disease has a number of causes, and treatment involves medication as well as a change in lifestyle and diet. There is no ideal test for a dog with liver disease, so diagnosis can be difficult.

• Diagnosing Canine Liver Disease with Urine Bile Acids

  The analysis of urine bile acids is becoming an increasingly preferred tool in the diagnosis of canine liver disease. Hepatic or liver diseases are typically associated with a number of illnesses that can effect this vital canine organ.

• Diagnosing a Liver Tumor in Dogs

  A liver tumor in dogs involves one of two forms. A primary liver tumor originates in the liver. Metastatic cancer originates in other organs.

• Diabetic Dog Treats

  Diabetic dog treats have been an anomaly in the market until recently. When a dog has diabetes, his diet will need to be strict, which means many regular dog treats cannot be given to him.

• Diabetic Dog Symptoms

  Diabetes in dogs can develop after the age of 4 or may be an inherited condition and manifest earlier in the life of the pet. Typically, diabetes occurs when the dog is between the ages 7 to 9.

• Diabetes, Dogs and Blindness

  Learn about diabetes, dogs and blindness. Studies find that three out of four dogs develop blindness from cataracts within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes. Learn how diabetes becomes so problematic for dogs.

• Diabetes in Dogs

  Diabetes in dogs almost always requires insulin administration. Cats can sometimes be maintained for long periods of time using dietary changes and medical treatment, although it may be preferable to start treatment for diabetes with insulin in all cats and then to try to maintain the cat later without insulin if it looks like that might be possible.

• Cushing’s disease and elevated liver enzymes

  Cushing's disease is probably more accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism -- the production of too much adrenal hormone, in particular corticosteroids. It can be naturally occurring or due to over administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone (iatrogenic Cushing's).

• Cirrhosis of the Liver in Dogs

  Cirrhosis of the liver can occur as the end result of several liver diseases, which may be why it is hard to find information on this condition as a separate entity. Cirrhosis can occur in copper storage diseases of the liver, as the end result of idiopathic chronic hepatitis

• Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs

  Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is a recurring condition in which the normal enzymes in the pancreas malfunction due to inflammation. The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas itself, as well as the surrounding organs, resulting in severe pain and other harmful side effects.

• Chronic Active Hepatitis, Choleangiohepatitis

  This is actually a form of chronic active hepatitis. There is often copper accumulation in the liver with this condition in dobermans and testing biopsy samples for copper levels may be helpful in making a diagnosis, although it is usually possible for the pathologist to identify the condition without this testing.

• Canine Viral Hepatitis

  Canine viral hepatitis, or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH), is a viral disease which generally affects puppies and younger dogs up to the age of one year. Reportedly, the virus also affects wild dogs, including wolves, coyotes and foxes.

• Canine Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Treatments and Information

  Canine Pancreatitis occurs in dogs when the pancreatic juices attack the tissue of a dog pancreas creating inflammation. Read about the symptoms, treatment, and recovery for Canine Pancreatitis.

• Canine Pancreatitis Diagnosis

  Canine pancreatitis is the name given to a sudden inflammation that develops in the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and the duodenum, and is responsible for the production of insulin and digestive enzymes.

• Canine Liver Test Results Explained

  Dogs suffering from liver diseases may exhibit clinical signs, but a liver test is mandatory for determining the nature of the disease. However, dog owners do not always know what these tests imply or what the results mean.

• Canine Liver Disease Treatment Procedures

  Canine liver disease is a serious health condition that can affect numerous body systems; the liver is responsible for a number of crucial body functions, including detoxification, storage of vitamins and minerals and the metabolizing of proteins and fats. Because of the liver's crucial role, it is capable of functioning normally in spite of damage and disease.

• Canine Liver Disease

  Canine liver disease is a broad clinical term used to describe all types of liver problems in dogs. Since the symptoms of liver disease are not exhibited until it's in a more advanced stage, pets often succumb to liver failure due to lack of prompt treatment.

• Canine Liver Cancer Symptoms

  Canine liver cancer can occur for a number of reasons; causes for canine liver cancer include the ingestion of toxic substances or exposure to carcinogens. There are two types of dog liver cancer, primary and secondary.

• Canine Liver Cancer Prognosis

  The prognosis for canine liver cancer worsens as the disease advances. Canine liver cancer occurs in two main types.

• Canine Liver Cancer Diet Tips

  Canine liver cancer is not an extremely common form of cancer in dogs, accounting for only roughly 2% of all canine cancer diagnoses. When it does occur in dogs, however, it is something that requires medical and dietetic treatment to help prolong the life of the dog.

• Canine Liver Cancer

  Canine liver cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease, in part because it may be difficult to diagnose until the cancer has progressed dramatically. Although it is possible for a dog to develop a primary cancer of the liver, in the vast majority of cases a tumorous growth is due to the metastasizing of cancer from another part of the body.

• Canine Kidney Failure

  Canine kidney failure is a condition in which a dog's kidneys no longer function properly. Kidney failure can happen suddenly or develop over a period of time.

• Canine Diabetic Treatments Beyond Insulin

  Diabetic canines are often prescribed insulin therapy, but owners must take other measures to keep canine diabetes in check. A strict diet and exercise regime may even mean your diabetic dog will need less insulin or avoid insulin therapy altogether. Treated early, canine diabetes can indeed be managed, even reversed.

• Canine Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

  Canine diabetic ketoacidosis, sometimes known as DKA, is a potentially fatal disease that most commonly occurs in dogs with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, although in rare cases it has been known to appear in nondiabetic dogs. This condition symptomatically resembles that of diabetes but usually goes unnoticed until a near-fatal situation is at hand. For this reason, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

• Canine Diabetes Insipudus Symptoms

  There are 3 types of canine diabetes, namely, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is also known as "water diabetes" or the "other diabetes," and it can occur in dogs of all breeds and ages.

• Canine Diabetes Insipudus

  Canine diabetes insipidus is a condition that causes water imbalance in dogs, and shouldn’t be confused with diabetes mellitus. It occurs in pets of all age groups and although the condition develops in very few dogs, it requires prompt treatment to prevent dehydration and death.

• Canine Diabetes Insipidus

  Canine diabetes insipidus represents a health condition that involves a water imbalance. Once the signs of this disorder have been identified, it is necessary to perform diagnosis tests, so that any suspicion concerning other diseases is excluded.

• Canine Diabetes Diet Planning

  Following a carefully planned canine diabetes diet maintains proper blood sugar levels. Diabetes management requires careful testing of blood sugar levels, a dedicated exercise regimen and adhering to dietary changes.

• Canine Diabetes Diagnosis

  Canine diabetes is a condition where the dog’s pancreas does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin to effectively process the foods the dog eats. Because the food isn’t processed appropriately, it is unable to pass into the cells where it can be utilized, causing an excess of sugars to be passed into the bloodstream.

• Canine Diabetes Complications

  Canine diabetes is an endocrine disease present in dogs. Diabetes mellitus is described as a lack of insulin, the hormone used in sugar metabolism.

• Canine Blood Sugar Guidelines for Diabetic Dogs

  Monitoring canine blood sugar on a regular basis is a critical part of caring for a diabetic dog in order to ensure the dog's diabetes is under good control.

• Can Liver Disease in Dogs Be Cured?

  Liver disease in dogs is a common disease and may be fatal. The liver disease is in the top 5 canine diseases that lead to death.

• Bloodwork- Alkaline Phosphatase

  Anything that causes the death of a number of liver cells will raise the ALT and AST levels. This includes trauma, toxins, bacterial infections, lack of blood flow to a portion of the liver for any reason (blood clots, low blood pressure, portosystemic shunts), bile duct blockages, pancreatitis and many other conditions.

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