Does anyone have any experience of this?  Our x-breed, Jack, has been losing weight recently.  The vet did loads of tests and we've discovered he has an overgrowth of bacteria in his gut and very poor liver function (probably caused by his epilepsy meds).  He's on antibiotics for a minimum of 6 weeks for the bacterial overgrowth but the only thing they've suggested for his liver is a prescription diet.

Now two things are worrying me, if the bacterial overgrowth is sorted, and he is absorbing more nutrients and also more of his epilepsy meds does this mean his liver will be compromised more?  Also even with the prescription diet, what sort of life expectancy has he got with such poor liver function (apparently it is pretty bad)?  The vet doesnt seem able to give me a straight answer to either of these questions. 

Thanks in advance

Milk thistle is meant to improve liver function, I think? Worth some further investigation perhaps.

M.

Thanks Lily Mc.  Will investigate that.

Paula,

Our dog is on Pb and i am quite concerned about the long term effects on his liver.

One thing i am going to discuss with my vets when his next blood test is due is either reducing his dosage, he has been seizure free for over a year, or changing the meds to potassium bromide.

i don't know if this is something that you have looked at too?

i also understand that milk thistle is good for repairing damage to the liver.

Barry

Thanks Barry, but Jack is still having some seizures so we can't reduce the amount at the moment.  Though it may be that when we've cleared up the overgrowth of bacteria in his gut that he will absorb more of the phenobarbitone and potassium bromide and maybe we can look at reducing it.  It's a very fine balancing act at the moment.  It doesn't look good for the poor lad at the mo - he's only 4 too.  My Oh  bought him from a pet shop (before we met - I'd certainly have advised very strongly against it!) mind you, it's lucky he did, goodness knows what would have happened to him if someone less responsible had bought him.  He's got such a lovely nature, loves everyone, bless him.