I am so sorry it took me so long... It took me forever to get back here...
Okay, first of all, liver disease is not a death sentence. Most of us with liver compromised dogs were given a grim prognosis, but these little guys are strong and can live close to normal lives with proper food, lactulose, and supplements.
Let's start with lactulose...This is extremely important because it helps bind up the toxins and push them out of the body. The goal is for your dog to have 2 bowel movements per day, and they should be soft and difficult to pick up, but not diarrhea and not firm. So, if your dog is not doing this, then the lactulose needs to be increased. It may be best if you give it around meal time.
Antibiotics like metronidazole are usually prescribed to these dogs on a long-term basis in LOW doses...much lower than normal doses to help with the toxins as well.
There are a couple of supplements that are helpful: milk thistle, denosyl, and vitamin E.
Milk thistle should be given in dried herb form rather than liquid form because many of the liquid forms include alcohol which should not be given to them. This helps protect the liver from further damage and helps regenerate parts that are already damaged.
Denosyl (Sam-E) HAS to be given on an empty stomach preferably in the morning, 1 hr before feeding. If it's given with food, it's as good as not giving the pill at all. This supplement contains antioxidant that help the protect the liver as well.
Vitamin E - Liver compromised dogs are typically low on Vitamin E and should be supplemented with it. It is beneficial in many ways.
My yorkie was born with liver problems and we were told that he would die when he was a pup, but I'm happy to say that he will be 4 yrs old in a couple of months!!
He's healthier than ever now!
Not only is important to note the amount of protein your baby gets, it's also important to watch the *type* of protein...Organ meats (pork/chicken liver) and red meats(beef, lamb, venison) should be avoided altogether. These are very hard on the liver and produce the most amount of toxins which will end up circulating in the body and causing neurological problems like seizures, etc.
How much does your dog weigh? The recommendations for protein amounts are as follows:
2-3 grams of protein per
kg of body weight per day. Closer to 2 if your dog is symptomatic, which if your dog has seizures, he would be considered symptomatic, and then you can work your way up to 3 very slowly if he does alright.
1 can of l/d contains 16 grams of protein...If you tell me how much he weighs, I'll be able to tell you how much he should be getting.
As far as snacks are concerned, peeled apple pieces (no seeds, of course) are excellent treats and a great source of fiber for them. Seedless watermelon is also great. You can give cooked carrots and cooked green beans as treats as well.
Does this help? Do you have any other questions?
Please join that group that I sent you a link for...Post your situation and information about your dog and you will get lots of help.