The liver is a vital organ with an impressive capacity for regeneration and healing. But once damaged, it can deteriorate rapidly. Many factors can trigger liver problems in pets. Genetic predisposition, viral infections, toxins, and prolonged use of certain medications can all lead to liver disease. Even age and obesity can increase the risk of liver problems.
Liver damage can also occur secondary to endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, and hyperthyroidism. Other potential causes of liver imbalance include viruses (e.g. infectious canine hepatitis), bacteria (e.g. leptospirosis), fungal organisms (e.g. coccidia), mycotoxins, and parasites (e.g. ticks). Liver imbalance/disease can be analyzed and treated successfully with the modalities of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).
What is the function of liver in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), balance is key, as shown by the symbol for Yin and Yang. Yin is considered cool and moist, while Yang is hot and dry. Within the healthy body, Yin and Yang keep each other in balance. When Yin and Yang are out of balance, they cannot protect the body from invasion by invaders such as bacteria and viruses, and disease results. Balance is maintained through the four modalities of TCVM: food therapy, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and Tui-na (a form of massage). TCVM also utilizes a “seasons cycle” of Yin and Yang, known as The Five Elements. Each of these elements (fire for summer, earth for late summer, metal for autumn, water for winter, and wood for spring) controls certain organs in the body. The Wood element is controlled by the liver.
A healthy liver ensures harmony and balance. The liver is regarded as a blood storage container. It allows the free flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body, controls tendons and ligaments, peripheral nerves, and gut function, and opens to the eyes. By examining these functions, a TCVM practitioner can discover liver disease earlier than may be found with Western examination and lab work. In addition to a complete examination, a TCVM veterinarian will evaluate bloodwork to look for elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin, and bile acids to check for liver imbalance.
What are the most common causes of liver imbalance from a TCVM perspective?
Since the liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, it can fall into disharmony when overworked. Improper diet, lack of exercise, exposure to toxins, and inappropriate drug use are some of the reasons an imbalance occurs. The most common Liver imbalances are -
- Liver Qi Stagnation occurs when there is an excess accumulation or stagnation of Qi and Blood. To visualize, imagine a dam blocking the flow of water in a river. This stagnation means that the liver, as well as the Spleen (stomach), are unable to transform food into nutrients efficiently.
- Blood in TCVM refers to the body’s overall fluids and nourishment. A diagnosis of Liver Blood Deficiency means that this aspect of the Liver organ network is compromised. A liver blood deficiency occurs when the liver is insufficiently nourished by Blood. It can be caused by insufficient Spleen Qi (food transformed into nutrients) to produce blood or congealed blood which prevents new blood from forming.
- Liver Damp Heat: Dampness is created if the Spleen’s transformation function is impaired. When Damp Heat builds up, the flow of Qi is disturbed, resulting in Qi Stagnation problems. In TCVM theory, the Spleen is like the food processor of the body, helping break down food. If Damp Heat invades the body, the Spleen creates Phlegm.
What are the TCVM signs and symptoms of Liver imbalance?
- Decreased appetite, vomiting, burping, and diarrhea: Liver imbalances can affect the flow of Qi in the Spleen (stomach) resulting in Stagnation in that organ as well.
- Jaundice: Blocked bile will be forced to the exterior under the skin resulting in jaundice.
- Red or purple tongue: Liver Qi stagnation will prevent the free movement of Blood leading to Blood Stagnation and a purple tongue. If Heat is present, the tongue will be red in color.
- Dullness, cloudiness, and bloodshot eyes as well as a sensitivity to light: Since the liver is said to “open to the eyes,” imbalances in the liver can result in eye problems.
- Limb weakness, stiffness or difficulties in movement: in TCVM, the liver governs the tendons and sinews.
- Restlessness or frequent waking up: The liver’s energy peaks between 1 am and 3 am in the circadian rhythm. If your pet is consistently restless during these hours, frequently waking up or showing signs of discomfort, it could indicate a disruption in the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
- Signs of heat and panting, dry hair, dandruff flakes, brittle nails can signal a Liver Blood deficiency.
- Behavioral changes such as fear, aggression, anxiety, shaking, pacing, etc. common with administration of isoxazoline drugs
- Seizures
What are TCVM treatment strategies for liver imbalance?
The treatment strategy in TCVM is aimed at restoring harmony and promoting the free flow of Qi and Blood. Nutrition is the key to TCVM treatment! Certain foods and herbs are known for their “Qi-moving” properties. Processed dry food (kibble) contains processed ingredients and preservatives, which place strain on the liver. Fresh food offers a variety of easily digestible nutrient-rich options that can ease the liver’s load and contribute to overall health. TCVM food therapy can offer valuable insights. Foods that nourish the liver and promote the smooth flow of Qi can be beneficial. It’s best to consult with a TCVM practitioner to tailor a diet specific to your pet’s needs.
Specific foods to support the liver include:
- Dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, mustard greens, spinach, broccoli and chard can resolve Liver Stagnation and tonify Yin (increase cooling in the body). Studies have found that sulforaphane (found in broccoli sprouts) can protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, reduce inflammation, and even help slow the progression of liver disease.
- Foods that drain damp include celery, mushrooms, and radishes. Celery is also an excellent Yin tonic (improves energy flow). Damp is seen as jaundice, hot feet, skin or mucous membrane lesions, and damp ear discharge.
- Feeding liver, including freeze-dried liver treats, tonifies liver Blood deficiency.
- Eggs and small fish also support the liver. Eggs are a good source of choline which is an essential nutrient for proper liver function. Eggs and fish are a good source of cysteine.
- Herbs that relieve liver stagnation and help detoxify and drain the liver include milk thistle, ginger, corn silk, garlic, hawthorn and dandelion root.
Supplements that can aid liver function and promote detoxification include:
- S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e): SAMe is a molecule that’s naturally produced in the body. It’s involved in various biochemical reactions and plays a critical role in liver health. Supplementing with SAMe can provide significant benefits for pets with liver problems. It helps to improve liver function, reduce inflammation, and support cell repair and regeneration. SAMe is typically given orally on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.
- Glutathione: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in your pet’s body. It plays a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals, detoxifying toxins, and supporting the immune system. In the context of liver health, glutathione is vital. The liver, being the primary detoxification organ, relies heavily on glutathione to neutralize toxins and free radicals. In fact, the highest concentration of glutathione in the body is found in the liver. When the liver is stressed or diseased, glutathione stores can become depleted, compromising its ability to detoxify and leading to further liver damage.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): NAC is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. It’s a potent antioxidant that helps boost levels of glutathione in the body. NAC supports liver function by promoting detoxification, reducing oxidative stress, and boosting levels of glutathione. This is particularly important when the liver is under stress or has been damaged, as it helps the liver to heal and to remove potentially harmful substances from the body.
Chinese herbal medicine is a key modality in TCVM. Chinese herbs have a long history of success in supporting the liver, primarily by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and balancing the Yin and Yang elements. Many herbal formulas are used depending on the specific TCVM diagnosis. For example, Chai Hu Shu Gan is a main formula for Liver Qi stagnation, diagnosed by a wiry pulse, purple tongue, irritability, or aggression. Liver Happy is used for treating Liver Qi Stagnation with heat, but not for Yin deficiency. Heat has an excess pulse, while Yin deficiency has a weaker left pulse. The use of Chinese herbs should be prescribed and monitored by a TCVM veterinarian.
Acupuncture and Tui-Na are TCVM modalities that can be very helpful in healing liver disease. Tui-Na uses Chinese massage techniques and is helpful in moving Qi in a pet with Liver Qi Stagnation. One technique called Nie-fa involves rolling the skin to the sides of the spine (not on the spine) from head to tail. This tonifies all organs as well as moving Qi and loosening fascia, which also helps the immune system.
Your pet’s liver is a crucial organ playing a myriad of roles. It’s the powerhouse of detoxification, the master regulator of metabolism, and a vital cog in digestion. Any changes in your dog’s behavior, appearance, or habits should be evaluated by a TCVM veterinarian to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. Weaving together both Western and TCVM perspectives provides a holistic approach to your dog’s well-being and can support their journey back to balance and vitality.
