Archives
July 2010
M T W T F S S
« Jun    
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  

Posts Tagged ‘Diaphragm’

A Brief Introduction to Dog Liver Disease

The canine liver is a vitally important organ, one which is involved in practically all biochemical processes and physiological pathways. As a result, when one of the many possible forms of dog liver disease arises, the consequences can be numerous and severe.

Anatomy of the Liver

Located in the forward part of the abdomen near the diaphragm, the liver is the largest organ in the canine body and consists of six lobes divided into three regions. This organ receives nutrients through the portal vein and through the hepatic artery. Approximately one third of the blood flowing into the liver travels through the hepatic artery while approximately two thirds travels through the portal vein. While the nutrients that travel through the portal vein originate in the digestive tract, the blood entering the liver by the hepatic artery comes from the heart.

Physiology of the Liver

As already alluded to, this complex organ plays a role in nearly all of the body’s biochemical processes. However, some of the most significant functions of the liver include the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Another major function of this organ is that it serves as a detoxification system, breaking down and removing toxic substances from the dog’s body. An interesting characteristic of the liver is its amazing reserve capability, requiring only a small portion of liver cells to work at one time. However, the downside of this characteristic is that liver disease may not be detectable until it reaches an advanced stage. At the same time, liver cells do have the ability to regenerate, allowing for full recovery from dog liver disease in some cases.

Causes

There are numerous different potential causes of dog liver disease, including traumatic events and medical conditions. Examples of trauma that can give rise to liver disease include being hit by a car, heatstroke, or the ingestion of toxins such as pesticides and certain pharmaceuticals. Other potential causes of canine liver disease include various infections and anatomical or physiological defects of the liver that are present at birth. When it comes to other medical conditions that can give rise to dog liver disease, the possibilities are quite numerous. For instance, anemia and heartworms can lead to damaged liver cells, as can heart disease, cancer, and pancreatitis.

Symptoms

Due to the incredible reserve capability of the canine liver, disease of this organ may not become apparent until the problem has advanced quite significantly. Moreover, symptoms and warning signs of dog liver disease tend to be quite subtle and variable in the beginning. However, as the problem progresses, symptoms will become more and more apparent. One of the most classic symptoms of dog liver disease is jaundice, which involves the yellowing of the dog’s skin, gums, and the whites of its eyes. Other classic warning signs include loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased frequency of urination (polyuria). Lethargy, depression, and a swollen belly are also typical symptoms of canine liver disease. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting will also occur. In advanced stages of the disease, the afflicted canine may experience confusion, weakness, and even convulsions.

Diagnosis

Since the liver is involved in the functions and biochemical processes of so many other organs, the symptoms of dog liver disease are often indistinguishable from those of other diseases. In addition, problems with the liver could actually be a secondary effect of a disease originating in another part of the body. As a result, thorough procedures are necessary in order to reach a firm and confident diagnosis of dog liver disease and to identify its cause. Typically, diagnostic processes that will be carried out in a case of suspected liver disease include a physical examination and blood tests. In addition, x-rays and ultrasound may also be used in order to allow the veterinarian to examine the liver for physical abnormalities. In some circumstances, exploratory surgery and a biopsy may be necessary as well.

Traditional Treatment

When a dog is suffering from canine liver disease, the necessary treatment will depend upon the cause of the disease. For example, when a bacterial infection has given rise to the disease, antibiotics will likely need to be administered. When an underlying medical problem such as anemia or cancer is at the root of the liver disease, the underlying condition will need to be dealt with. As a result, required treatment methods can vary quite significantly between cases of dog liver disease.

Holistic and Natural Treatment

In addition to the traditional treatment methods required in a particular case of canine liver disease, certain holistic health management strategies can also be very helpful with regards to treatment. Dietary adjustments and natural supplements can optimize nutrition while reducing the stress placed upon the liver. Providing certain nutrients through specific foods, natural supplements, or homoeopathic remedies can also help protect the liver and promote its health. For example, Vitamin E stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents the build up of toxins. Therefore, in appropriate cases, natural supplements and other holistic health strategies can provide a very beneficial contribution to the treatment process for a dog suffering from canine liver disease.

Tiffany Doggett is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Dog’s Cushing Disease | Dog Diarrhea | Dog Liver Disease

This blog supports poker gratuit

Post a comment below...
  • Share/Bookmark

Liver Functions and Digestion

The best way to gauge how important digestion is to the body is to imagine what would happen to the body without the digestive process. Without digestive enzymes, juices, synthesis and assimilation, the food we eat would be of no value to the body. Food is digested for the production of energy to keep us active. Food is digested so that nutrients can be absorbed by the body. These nutrients are used by various organs in the body to sustain their proper functions and growth.

We all know the effect a poor diet can have on your body, but did you know that the same can hold true for a poorly functioning digestive system. This could also be why many people experience poor energy levels, fatigue, fogginess of the mind, or poor digestive health. That’s why it is important to support liver health by taking liver supplements or liver vitamins.

The liver plays a major role in digestion. Some experts say that the health of your liver is directly related to the state of your digestive health. Your liver is located on the upper right side of your abdomen and is held in place by the diaphragm. Performing more than 500 functions, the liver is a very complex organ. Think about it. Basically, everything that you eat, breathe in, and touch is processed through the liver! Liver supplements or liver vitamins can support the major functions of the liver.

Here are just a few functions of the liver relating to digestion:

The liver stores blood based on individual activity levels. It produces bile. Some of this bile is stored in the gall bladder. It processes nutrients from digestion to other parts of the body. It metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. It removes fat from the bloodstream. It also stores fat and regulates its metabolism and burning of fat for energy. Stores certain vitamins and nutrients such as B12 and iron. Filters toxins from the body. Toxins can accumulate in the body due to various reasons. Toxins are by-products of normal metabolic processes of the body. They can also be ingested through foods we eat, the air we breathe (environmental pollutants) or enter the body through the application of certain skin products. Alcohol consumption or smoking can stress toxins levels in the body and overwork the liver.

Liver Supplements for Toning Liver Functions
Liver vitamins like milk thistle extract, Taurine, psyllium husk, dandelion root extract, artichoke powder, slippery elm bark, beetroot, carrot, lecithin, barley leaf are great for nutritionally supporting the healthy functions of a liver. These liver vitamins are available in quality liver supplements like Liverol.

Milk thistle extract has been well-researched and shows suggestive evidence of its role in strengthening liver health. Psyllium, a dietary fiber, combined with probiotics, produces nutrients that are required by the liver for regulating healthy cholesterol and glucose levels. Psyllium also helps to bind toxins in the digestive tract inhibiting their entry into the system.

Liver Vitamins in Quality Liver Supplements
In addition to milk thistle and psyllium husk, other natural nutrients considered to be liver vitamins are dandelion, Taurine, artichoke powder, and slippery elm bark.

Dandelion is known to promote the production of bile. Artichoke powder support liver regeneration. Taurine is an amino acid and a component of cell membranes. It plays a role in the detoxification process and is also an antioxidant. Slippery elm bark helps to soothe an irritated digestive tract.

Since the liver supports so many vital functions of the body, a quality liver supplement will help protect and support healthy liver functions. Liverol, a scientifically-supported liver supplement, contains all the necessary liver vitamins and nutrients to stimulate the liver for optimal performance.

New Vitality is a health supplements company. It develops liver supplements which are carefully formulated under the guidance of an elite panel comprised of renowned doctors, nutritionists, chemists and researchers. Whether you want a liver vitamins, pet health supplement, a personal care product or a health care product, New Vitality is a one-stop shop for all needs.

This blog supports poker gratuit

I'm eager to hear your comments...
  • Share/Bookmark

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

SEO Powered by Platinum SEO from Techblissonline