Management of liver disease in dogs and cats.

Ampicillin or amoxicillin is a good initial choice for treatment of liver disease involving bacteria. Cephalosporins, among other antibiotics, can be used with aminoglycosides for a broad-spectrum effect. Metronidazole may benefit patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Tetracycline, penicillins and cephalosporins are good choices for biliary disease. Corticosteroids are indicated for chronic active hepatitis, cholangiohepatitis, immune-mediated hepatopathy, and hepatic lymphosarcoma and mast-cell tumors. D-penicillamine is used to treat hepatic Cu toxicosis. Colchicine has been used to combat hepatic fibrosis. Lactulose is used in long-term management of hepatic encephalopathy. Diuretics and a low-Na diet help control ascites. Cimetidine is used to control GI ulcers. Anabolic steroids help reverse protein catabolism. Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. Use of hetacillin, chloramphenicol, lincomycin, sulfonamides, erythromycin, acetaminophen and methyltestosterone should be avoided in patients with liver disease.