My dog has severe liver disease. How do I know when to stop treatment?

Question

My dog is having severe liver problems. He's been on fluids and antibiotics for the last few days. He still doesn't have much of an appetite, but other peeing a lot and resting, he seems to have ok energy and doesn't seem uncomfortable. But he has a good day and then a couple bad days and then a good day, etc. Having a tough day today and I wonder if I'm just putting off the inevitable. I'm not sure when more treatment is just being selfish. Any advice or insight? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 7 months old | 50 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

This is a very valid question and it is important to consider his overall wellbeing and comfort above and beyond prolonging the length of his life. If he is mobile, greeting family members as he normally would and eating enough (a specialised liver diet and supplements can help to reduce some of the symptoms of poor liver function by reducing the amount of toxins the liver needs to excrete. As long as his appetite is sufficient to prevent significant weight loss then it is likely he is feeling ok in himself. The following link can be very helpful for all family members to sit down together and discuss and can help in the medium term decision making https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

My dog has severe liver disease. How do I know when to stop treatment?

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