From Bowels to Bile: Supplements & the Gut–Liver Connection in Dogs & Cats

The gut–liver axis describes the relationship and crosstalk between the gastrointestinal tract and the liver in both health and disease states. Essential in this crosstalk are signals arising from dietary, genetic, and environmental factors. The portal vein transports nutrients and gut-derived antigens to the liver, while bile acids, proteins, lipids, and immune components are delivered back to the intestinal tract. The health of this interaction depends on a healthy immune response, intestinal barrier integrity, a balanced microbiome, and normal functioning of major gut luminal metabolic regulators, notably bile acids. This session will review the anatomy and function of the gut–liver connection, along with clinical signs that may be overlooked when this balance is disrupted. Attendees will explore how the gut–liver axis can help direct therapies, including diet interventions, medications, and supplements that can modulate and support the gut mucosal barrier, intestinal microbiota, and liver regeneration and repair.

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