| Because they a lovable, loyal animals, dogs are highly | | | | Another condition, photo systemic shunts, will also |
| preferred as pets. Dogs become family members, so | | | | have an abnormal bile acid response. A liver biopsy |
| their health is very important. Pet owners need to | | | | then needs to be done to eliminate the possibility of |
| keep in mind that dog health and liver problems are | | | | photo systemic shunts so that the condition of |
| very closely tied together. | | | | hepatic micro vascular dyplasia can be properly |
| The liver is an important part of the digestive | | | | diagnosed. For more info see |
| system, so if there is a liver problem, a dog health will | | | | If diagnosed before symptoms appear, there is a |
| be severely affected. There are many kinds of liver | | | | good prognosis for a dog with hepatic micro vascular |
| problems that dogs can have, including cirrhosis of | | | | dysplasia. However, once symptoms begin to be |
| the liver, toxicity, hepatitis, fibrosis, etc. But in this | | | | seen, the only recourse is to use diet and medication |
| article, we will be discussing hepatic micro vascular | | | | to manage the condition. |
| dysplasia. | | | | Reducing the amount of protein consumed is the |
| Hepatic micro vascular dysplasia | | | | objective of diet therapy while the reduction of |
| This is a common liver problem for dogs. With hepatic | | | | ammonia in the digestive system is accomplished with |
| micro vascular dysplasia, there is a mixing of venous | | | | medication. So that dogs with this condition are able |
| and arterial blood on a microscopic level. Another | | | | to excrete soft, formed stools, lactose injections are |
| name for this condition is hepatic-portal micro vascular | | | | advisable. |
| dysplasia. Though this condition affects all dog | | | | Twice a day, injections of antibiotics are given. These |
| breeds, it seems to occur more often in terrier | | | | may be neomycin, metranidazole or some other |
| breeds. | | | | antibiotic. The response to the treatment will vary |
| As there are no symptoms that are peculiar to this | | | | from one dog to another. Some dogs respond well |
| condition, it is hard to diagnose with any certainty. | | | | enough to live out a normal life span, but other dogs |
| Among the symptoms that a dog might have are | | | | will have a shortened life due to this condition. |
| seizures, central nervous system disorder symptoms | | | | Dog owners will usually take preventative measures |
| and other gastro intestinal disorder symptoms, such | | | | once they are made aware of the connection |
| as diarrhea and vomiting. A bile acid response test is | | | | between overall dog health and liver problems. |
| the first step in diagnosing the condition. | | | | |