This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
naturalpet


Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms by Dr. Shawn Messonnier


DETECTING DISEASE


A


drenal and liver diseases can commonly plague pets, with ad- renal problems occurring more often in dogs but routinely misdiag- nosed, and liver disease more frequently present in cats.


Liver Disease This inclusive term is used to describe any disorder of the liver. In both dogs and cats, common causes include toxins, infections, metabolic prob- lems and tumors. In cats, infections and fatty liver disease are more likely, while dogs more often experience in- fections and tumors. Clinically affected pets are usually anorectic (not eating) and lethargic; in severe cases, jaundice may occur. Conventional therapies depend to some extent on the cause, but in gen- eral, antibiotics and hospitalization for fluid therapy and forced feeding, often through a stomach tube, are neces- sary to give the pet the best chances of recovering. Pets with liver cancer are usually diagnosed too late to be a can- didate for surgery, unless only one liver lobe is involved, or chemotherapy. More gentle natural therapy often results in curing the condition, even in later stages, depending upon the root cause. The herb milk thistle is well known for its ability to heal liver damage. B vitamins, as well as the nutritional supplements comprising S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and phosphatidylcholine, may also be effec- tive treatments.


20 NA Twin Cities Edition Adrenal Disease Adrenal issues, especially common


in middle-aged and older canines, can refer to Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease—signifying decreased or in- creased adrenal function, respectively— and are commonly misdiagnosed as liver disease. Addison’s disease, although not


prevalent, is often incorrectly diag- nosed because its symptoms of reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and weak- ness are shared with most other diseases. Blood testing can


“In my veterinary practice, pets with elevated levels of enzymes indicating liver or adrenal disease are always treated with natu- ral remedies first. In most cases, this treatment is effective and conventional medication is not needed.”


~ Dr. Shawn Messonnier natwincities.com


be helpful, but is not always definitive. Cushing’s disease is a more com- mon problem. Signs mimic diabetes and kidney disease, including increases in appetite, thirst and urination. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized blood tests and abdominal sonograms. Conventional treatment for either


disease involves lifelong medication. Natural therapies that work to pre- vent and alleviate such ailments may involve adrenal glandular supplements, milk thistle and herbs such as licorice (for Addison’s disease) or ginseng and magnolia bark (for Cushing’s disease). Regular laboratory testing is important for a pet to allow for early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening diseases. If a pet devel- ops liver or adrenal disease, combining conventional therapies with natural remedies usually results in successful treatment of the condition.


Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veteri- nary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32