3/19/2014
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Milk
Thistle and Liver Dysfunction in Cats
Liver diseases are
common in cats, either as the primary illness or secondary to another illness.
Your vet should evaluate your pet for the cause of liver disease or failure.
There are hundreds of metabolic functions the liver performs. If any one or
more of these functions is interrupted, the liver is unable to maintain the
body’s health. There are many different causes of liver dysfunction depending
upon what metabolic functions are affected, therefore, the treatment depends
upon the cause.
If your cat does not
eat for two days, they need to be seen by your vet immediately!
Liver disease can be
caused by anorexia and not eating.
If it is related to
toxins or drugs – such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, diuretics,
chemotherapy, flea medication or heartworm treatment. – removal of the
substance or discontinuing the drug is essential.
If infection is causing
the dysfunction, treatment must include antibiotics or other medications
prescribed to treat the specific causative organism (viruses, protozoan).
If it is secondary to a
primary illness of another body organ, the primary illness must be treated.
If liver dysfunction is
caught early and aggressive therapy is instituted, survival rates are good –
about 60-80%.
Because the liver can
regenerate new cells to replace the diseased cells, it is possible for normal liver
function to be restored. Milk thistle is given to support the healing of the
liver as it recovers from liver disease.
Milk thistle is an herb that
contains the anti-oxidant, silymarin, as its main active ingredient. It helps
cure liver diseases and fight the toxic effects of various drugs by stimulating
the regenerative processes of the liver. Milk thistle is an efficient remedy
against poisoning and the anti-oxidant fights against free radicals. Derived
from the flowering plant of the daisy family (Asteraceae), the seeds have been
used for thousands of years.
Milk thistle does not
have any side effects and can be used long term. It is available in pill and
liquid form.
Milk Thistle may be
given to cats with:
Liver damage due to other drug
treatments and therapies
Fatty liver disease, hepatomegaly
(enlarged liver)
Digestive disorders
Chronic hepatitis, Bile issues
Prevention of inflammatory bowel
disease (IBS) and gallstones
Poisoning from insectacides,
pesticides, mushrooms and some drugs
Infections caused by protozoa
Milk thistle dosing is
determined by the cat’s body weight. The recommended dose is 10 mg. per pound.
If the cat suffers from a serious disease, higher doses may be needed –
sometimes, up to 3 times more than the usual dose.
If giving milk thistle
as a liquid tincture, use the measured dropper for accurate dosing. The dose is
calculated by the cat’s body weight – 1 drop per 2 pounds – and should be given
in divided doses of 2 or more per day.
Overdose of milk thistle
can cause upset stomach, diarrhea and gas. If your cat shows any of these
symptoms of overdose, discontinuing treatment should be done immediately. The
symptoms should subside after ceasing the milk thistle, but if the symptoms
continue, consult your vet.
Consultation
with an herbalist or holistic veterinarian should be done before initiating
this herbal therapy. Be sure to tell the vet or herbalist all medications your
cat takes to avoid adverse drug-drug or drug-herb interactions.
Denamarin for veterinary use. Indications, cautions and
warnings, directions and dosage info.
http://www.drugs.com/vet/denamarin.html
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