Dietetics of Liver Disease (cats and dogs)

Question 1

Hepatic lipidosis: pathophysio and consequences

Answer 1

Circulating FA’s are taken up by the liver and cause hepatocyte degen

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomitting

*i.e all signs of malnutrition

Question 2

Aim of feeding and diet of hepatic lipidosis

Answer 2

Aim:

• Decr the metab load
• Support liver function
• Avoid hepatic encephalopathy

Diet:

1. Decr protein
2. NH3 trapping substances
3. High E
4. Supplements

Question 3

HL Protein

Answer 3

Decr: dog 15% cat 25%

Make sure it is HBV

Question 4

HL: NH3 trapping substances

Answer 4

Lactulose

Prebiotics

Question 5

HL: High E

Answer 5

And good digestibility

In the form of fats and carbs

Question 6

HL supplements

Answer 6

Vits KEB

L-carnithine

Taurine

Arginine

Question 7

What is the equivalent of Wilson/Menke’s disease in dogs, and which breeds does it affect

Answer 7

Canine Copper hepatotoxicosis or Copper storage disease

Bedlington terrier

Westie

Question 8

Cu storage disease: pathophysio

Answer 8

1. Dysfunction of ATP7B (copper transport protein)–liver is unable to remove copper so there is an acc of copper in the liver and plasma
2. Lack of metallothionein enzyme (I think this removes the copper)

Question 9

Cu storage disease: consequences

Answer 9

1. Bleeding gums
2. Ascites
3. Jaundice
4. Anaemia
5. Copper circle on the cornea

Question 10

Cu storage disease: aim of feeding

Answer 10

1. Decr the dietary copper
2. Introduce Cu binding substances like Na2SO4
3. Decr the protein load

Question 11

Cu storage disease: diet

Answer 11

1. Avoid: liver, muushrooms, camomile
2. decr vit C (incr damaging effect of Cu to liver)
3. Low protein