Nutritional Support in Hepatic Disease: Part I. Metabolic Alterations and Nutritional Considerations in Dogs and Cats

摘要

Malnutrition is a common characteristic of chronic hepatic disease, which adversely influences hepatic cellular function and structure. In adult liver, hepatocytes retain their ability to proliferate, Compensatory hyperplasia begins within minutes ofpartial hepatectomy and is usually completed in 2 weeks in rats and in less than one month in humans. Therefore, the management of hepatic disease should be based on using this ability to the best advantage. Treating the underlying insult is always themain priority. The goals of nutritional management for hepatic disease, which are supportive, include maintaining home-ostasis, correcting electrolyte disturbances, and avoiding toxic by-product accumulation.