NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF CANINE LIVER-DISEASE

Nutritional management is the cornerstone of treatment for dogs with h epatobiliary disorders. Principal dietary objectives are the provision of energy and nutrients to meet maintenance needs and provide for hep atocyte regeneration, to support liver function and manage complicatio ns of hepatic dysfunction, chiefly hepatic encephalopathy. These goals can be achieved through the feeding of diet that is highly palatable and digestible, has a high energy density, and a modified protein cont ent. Other favourable characteristics include increased water and fat soluble vitamins, increased zinc, controlled copper, restricted sodium and inclusion of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre.