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Canine Liver Disease
The canine liver is a critical organ, directly influencing in virtually every biochemical and physiological processes within the body. So it comes as no surprise when canine liver disease symptoms begin to arise, the consequences can be numerous and severe.
Anatomy of the Canine Liver
The canine liver is located in the frontal area of the abdomen in close proximity of the diaphragm. It is the largest organ in the canine body, being made up of six lobes divided into three sections. The canine liver receives nutrients from the hepatic artery and the portal vein. Nearly a third of the volume of blood flowing into the liver travels through this hepatic artery, while about two thirds travels through the portal vein. Nutrients originating from the digestive tract travel through the portal vein, while the blood travelling through the liver via the hepatic artery originates from the heart.
Physiology of the Canine Liver
As previously detailed, the canine liver is intimately involved in nearly every biochemical process within the body, providing the body with its organic building blocks for repair and growth. One of the main functions of the liver involved the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. The liver plays a vital role in detoxification as well, breaking down and filtering toxic substances from the body. The liver has the amazing capacity to repair itself and contains a tremendous reserve capacity, meaning it can function very effectively using only a relatively small number of liver cells. The drawback of this is that canine liver disease can be difficult to detect, with noticeable symptoms appearing only after the canine liver disease reaches advanced stages. The good news is that, due to the liver's amazing ability to regenerate itself, your pet can fully recover from dog liver disease in many instances.
Below are links to further information regarding the causes of dog liver disease, types of canine liver disease, new and emerging canine liver diseases, signs and symptoms of dog liver disease, and treatment options available: