Complications of Liver Disease

Hepatobiliary disease in dogs and cats can lead to various complications. Vomiting is a common clinical sign in liver disease, and antiemetic therapy should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Ascites is managed by feeding a moderate sodium diet, therapy with spironolactone, and judicious use of furosemide. Hepatic encephalopathy is managed by feeding an appropriate diet and treating with lactulose and possibly an antimicrobial. Because coagulant and anticoagulant factors are affected in patients with hepatic dysfunction, they may be in an altered but balanced hemostatic state. This balance is fragile and bleeding or thrombosis can occur if it is disrupted.