ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of acute and chronic hepatic failure as an emergency and intensive care condition. The liver is a complex organ that is essential to vital metabolic functions of every animal. The functions of liver include pivotal roles in protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism; detoxification and excretion of toxins, toxicants, and drugs; formation and elimination of bile; and central role in formation of most coagulation factors. Infectious agents are a well known but uncommon cause of severe liver disease and liver failure in the veterinary patient. Viral hepatitis has largely been eliminated with routine vaccination programs for canine type I adenovirus. Acute liver failure can result from hepatic infiltration with neoplastic cells, inflammatory cells, or lipid. Acute copper-associated liver disease is seen frequently in Bedlington Terriers and has been associated with acute hepatic failure. Copper accumulation occurs over a long period and the dogs are usually asymptomatic until hepatic copper levels reach high levels.
