Liver disease in my Bichon

Question
My eight year old Bichon Frise all of a sudden had three convulsions these have not returned. Then started having trouble going to the bathroom (#2) was not eating took her to the vet on May 11th and her blood work indicated an ALT of 658, ALP of 328. Second blood work on June 21st ALT of 1092 and ALP 201. Doctor has her on a diet of Hills K/d and on 1/2 tablet a day of Zentonil Plus 200 mg. Her urine was a dark yellow today and last night she was vomiting. She is happy and alert!!! Your feedback is much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Liver disease is more common than we tend to think in these breeds and the vet is doing all he/she can to help your doggy, as with all conventional medicine it is about getting the doses right through trial and error , but there are other types of treatment that can also help such as natural ones. Milk thistle is the most well known herb recommended for treating liver disease. Its silymarin content has been shown effective in treating liver disease. Milk thistle compounds are usually standardized to 70-80% silymarin. Milk thistle is one of the few herbs that have no real equivalent in the world of conventional medicine.

The active ingredients in milk thistle appear to be four substances known collectively as silymarin, of which the most potent is named silibinin. Animal studies suggest that milk thistle extracts can protect against many other poisonous substances, from toluene to the drug acetaminophen.

Silymarin appears to function by displacing toxins trying to bind to the liver as well as by causing the liver to regenerate more quickly. It also acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals (it is more potent than vitamin E,) increasing glutathione levels, and by inhibiting the formation of damaging leukotrienes. Silymarin also stimulates the production of new liver cells, replacing the damaged cells.

Due to its liver support, milk thistle is often used anytime the pet becomes ill or toxic to support the liver. It can also be used anytime drugs are given to the pet that could be toxic to the liver, especially chemotherapy medicines for treating cancer, heartworm treatment medications, and long-term use of other medications (such as antibiotics and corticosteroids.)

A new form of silymarin, in which the compound is bound to phosphatidylcholine, has been shown to have greater bioavailability than unbound silymarin.

The standard dosage of milk thistle is 200 mg 2 to 3 times a day. In people, the best results are seen at higher doses (140-200 mg three times daily of an extract standardized to contain 70% silymarin;) the bound form is dosed at 100-200 mg twice daily.

On the basis of its extensive use as a food, milk thistle is believed to be safe for pregnant or nursing women and researchers have enrolled pregnant women in studies. However, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe renal disease has not been formally established. Similar precautions in pets are probably warranted.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
While milk thistle is most commonly used for treating liver disease, other nutrients such as choline, carnitine, arginine, boswellia, burdock, dandelion root, licorice, nettle, Oregon grape, red clover, turmeric, yellow dock, and maitake mushrooms may also be incorporated into the treatment regimen.