Dog Tracheal Collapse Linked to Liver Disease: Top Holistic Remedies
Understanding Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
Hello, fellow pet enthusiasts! I’m here to share some insights into a common condition that affects many dogs, especially the smaller breeds: tracheal collapse. My little Tula, a YouTube star in her own right, has been experiencing intermittent bouts of coughing due to this very issue. Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilaginous rings that give structure to the trachea, or windpipe, fold in on themselves, leading to a persistent, dry hacking cough that can sound like a goose honk. This condition is more prevalent in middle-aged to senior dogs, ages 4 to 14, and can be triggered by anything that irritates the airway.
The Link Between Tracheal Collapse and Liver Disease
In my journey to understand Tula’s condition, I’ve learned that there’s a direct correlation between tracheal collapse and liver disease. Dogs with untreated tracheal collapse may not get enough oxygen, leading to damaged liver cells and liver disease. In fact, a study found that 92% of dogs with tracheal collapse also had concurrent liver disease. This highlights the importance of managing tracheal collapse effectively to prevent further complications.
Preventing and Managing Tracheal Collapse
To prevent or manage tracheal collapse, it’s crucial to eliminate or reduce external causes. This includes decreasing airway pollutants, using an air purifier, switching from a collar to a harness, and managing your dog’s weight, as obesity can exacerbate the condition. For managing coughing flare-ups, I prefer natural remedies like honey and slippery elm over traditional cough syrups, which may not be effective and could even cause harm.
Supplements for Airway Inflammation and Liver Health
To treat airway inflammation and decrease mucus production, I recommend supplements like bioavailable curcumin and quercetin. These can help reduce inflammation and improve airflow, potentially preventing liver disease in dogs with tracheal collapse. For dogs diagnosed with liver disease, milk thistle and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) are crucial supplements. Milk thistle can reduce liver cell damage and promote healing, while SAMe supports liver repair by converting to glutathione, a key nutrient for liver health.
Tracheal collapse is a condition that requires careful management to prevent further complications like liver disease. Natural remedies and supplements can play a significant role in managing symptoms and supporting overall health. If your dog is struggling with persistent coughing or has been diagnosed with tracheal collapse, it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop an effective treatment plan. And remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take steps to protect your furry friend’s airway and liver health.
My chihuahua is on denamrin for liver disease for the past 4 months – is there any herbal remedy rather than giving her this medication?
Certainly! We have an article available for your perusal.
One of the largest, and most important organs is your pet’s liver. It has a number of functions, such as in digestion, detoxification, sugar storage, breaking down red blood cells, and hormone production. It is found under the rib cage, encircling the stomach, and tucked up next to the diaphragm.
SIGNS
The signs of liver disease are many and varied; they are similar to many other pet diseases. In the early stages there are often no symptoms, and the first signs can be very non specific. Some of the more common signs start with eating; your pet’s appetite is lowered.
Some dogs are depressed, are lethargic, and classified as ADR (“ain’t doing right”). As the disease progresses, there may be vomiting or diarrhea. Many dogs show signs of increased drinking and urinating. Due to the lower protein levels in the blood (low albumin which is produced from the liver), you may see fluid retention which will show up as a swollen belly. A classic symptom is jaundice; the white area around her eyes and the gums may be yellowish. A few uncommon signs include neurologic disease (i.e. circling, head pressing, ataxia, seizures), and Hepatocutaneous Syndrome (skin disease), which shows as thickened crusted foot pads, itchiness, redness between toes.
CAUSES
There are numerous things that can cause liver disease, ranging from tumors to infections. Dogs commonly eat compost in which there is often a toxin that can cause acute liver disease. Your pet can get a viral infection affecting the liver (hepatitis). Young dogs can have liver disease as a result of a liver shunt, or certain breeds can acquire liver disease due to a copper storage deficiency (Bedlington Terriers, Westies, Keeshounds, Dalmatians). Common veterinary medications (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories) can damage the liver and result in signs of liver disease. Fortunately the liver can do a wonderful job of regenerating liver cells, and can heal itself with supportive care and supplements.
Cats in particular can get 2 specific types of liver disease, hepatic lipidosis, and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis. Overweight cats are prone to developing a specific condition called fatty liver (sudden weight loss causes fat cells to permeate the liver). Cholangiohepatitis means inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, and is most often associated with cats that have inflammatory bowel disease; treatment for it often includes medication/supplements to suppress the overactive immune system.
SOLUTIONS
TO THE VETERINARIAN. Liver disease is diagnosed with an initial physical exam, along with a detailed history which may reveal some of the classic symptoms, such as jaundice. Your veterinarian will suggest a basic blood panel; this may reveal many changes suggesting liver disease. You can see elevated ALP, ALT, GGT and bilirubin. Many dogs are anemic (low RBC’s), and most have low protein levels, especially low albumin, which is produced by the liver. Urine changes often show bilirubin, and brownish/yellowish urine. If you suspect that your dog or cat has liver disease, the first step is to confirm what type of liver disease your pet has. Your vet can perform some of the above specific diagnostic tests as there are so many possibilities.
KEEP HIM EATING. Adequate nutrition is needed to help the liver heal. Offer him his favorite food. In some cases, spicing it up with garlic and warming it in a microwave will encourage eating. Many holistic veterinarians advise a natural, moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate diet; your veterinarian may advise a specific veterinary diet. Regardless, the most important thing is that it is a food that your dog likes, and wants to eat. The composition of the food is not nearly as critical as getting him to eat.
MILK THISTLE. Of all the alternative options, milk thistle is the most important solution in helping any ailing liver. The active ingredient is silymarin. It has protective effects on the liver, improves liver function, and helps treat liver inflammation, toxin induced liver disease, and end stage liver failure (cirrhosis). The dose of the dried herb is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily. It is available at most pharmacies. I have had great success using this herb.
S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE (SAMe). This is a supplement and potent antioxidant shown to be very effective in people and pets with chronic liver disease. The tablets are available at health food stores; give 800 mg per 40 lbs of body weight daily.
ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are the two most commonly used: give 400 IU per 40 lbs of body weight daily of Vitamin E, and give 250 mg per 40 lbs of body weight daily of Vitamin C.
SUPPLEMENTS. Many cases of liver disease are believed to be secondary to the immune system attacking the liver and bile ducts (auto-immune). There are a number of supplements which can be helpful in normalizing the immune system, but there are particular ones that may be beneficial for the liver. Those are flavanoids, compounds in a class of their own. They compose the thousands of structures that give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. These include flavones, (apigenin), isoflavones (genistein), and flavonols (quercetin). Purchase a mixed bioflavonoid product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea. The dose for a 10 lb dog or cat is 250 mg daily.
CARNITINE. This should be used for any cat with hepatic lipidosis (Fatty Liver). The average cat dose is 250 mg daily. Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have carnitine deficiency and by adding it, you’ll help improve your cat’s recovery time.
B VITAMINS. These are water-soluble vitamins lost in liver disease. Give a B Complex Vitamin supplement. The dose is 1/4 adult tablet per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
AROMATHERAPY. This provides another avenue to restore appetite. Apply essential oils of Rose and Vetiver to a bandana and tie it around your pet’s neck.
ACUPRESSURE:
GV7. A natural way to restore appetite is by using acupressure. Press the GV7 point for 1 minute three times daily (located on each side of the spine seven vertebrae back from the shoulder blades).
HERBAL:
TURMERIC. Turmeric gives curry its flavor and yellow color, and has been used as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds while also being a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. The dose of the dried herb is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily. It can also be given as a tincture of 2 drops per 10 lbs twice daily.
HERBAL LIVER TONIC. These help your pet in eliminating toxins, and by products, ultimately helping the liver function more effectively.
Combine equal parts of:
Burdock
Dandelion leaf
Alfalfa
Red Clover
Ground flax seed (or fish oil for cats)
Dose: 1 teaspoon per pound of food fed daily for dogs – 1/2 teaspoon daily for cats.
IMMUNE STIMULANT HERBS. Especially helpful if there is an infectious component to the liver disease:
GINSENG. A popular immune stimulant, it also appears to speed up liver infection healing. The Ginseng dose is 30 mg per lb of the dried herb twice daily, or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.
ECHINACEA. This is an effective herb for stimulating the immune system. The dried herb dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs; the tincture dose is 1 drop per lb twice daily.
ASTRAGALUS. This traditional Chinese herb has been shown to stimulate certain cells important for the immune system. The dose is 600 mg per 10 lbs of the dried herb, or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.
HOMEOPATHIC:
Homeopathic remedies are used to supplement veterinary care and additional remedies. These pets are often very weak, so I begin with lower potency remedies.
CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. Most useful remedy for liver support. One 12C twice a day.
CARDUS MARIANUS. This is produced from Milk Thistle. Some dogs and cats vomit the milk thistle herbal capsules, so this is the option to give. 12 C twice daily.
NUX VOMICA. If nausea is present. Use the 12C strength: give your cat 1 pellet twice daily for 3 days; give your dog 3 pellets twice daily for 3 days.