Dear Dr. Fox: We are fostering a puppy-mill rescue and have recently learned that she has liver damage. The vet likened her to a human that would be a candidate for a liver transplant.

Outwardly, she seems OK -- she runs with abandon and plays with our other dogs in the yard. She is, however, about five pounds underweight.

We know there is no magic supplement that will cure her liver, but can you suggest something that might improve her remaining one or two years? -- J.F., Minneapolis, Minn.

Dear J.F.: Liver-enzyme readings can be off the charts sometimes and the dog seems fine. But chronic liver disease can be insidious, with episodes of sickness and terminal brain disease from the so-called hepatic encephalopathy.

Some breeds are prone to liver disease, notably Doberman, cocker spaniel, West Highland White and Sky terriers. Schnauzers often have abnormally high levels of liver enzymes, but seem to suffer no ill effects.

Judicious use of anti-inflammatory steroids for seven to 10 days may help initially, followed by daily supplements of 5-adenosyl-L-methionine and silymarin (milk thistle). A low-protein diet is advisable, avoiding meats but serving easily digestible quality proteins like eggs, dairy products, lentils and lima beans. For carbs and fiber, include a little whole-grain rice, barley, potatoes or yams in the daily ration. A teaspoon of cod-liver oil daily may also help, plus dietary probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Dear Dr. Fox: We have a 4-year-old cockapoo who has a chronic problem with dirty earwax.

While our vet initially suspected an infection and prescribed antibiotics about three years ago, he has now suggested a regimen of antihistamines (thinking allergy) and large doses of fish oil. I tried the antihistamine for a while, but did not like the idea of medicating the dog that way and didn't see any change in the condition. I continue with the fish oil since I think it's probably good for the dog.

I have been cleaning the ears as frequently as two to three times a week with Epi-Otic ear cleaner. I am amazed at how much gunk accumulates in just a few days. It does not smell; it's just brown and waxy.

Any ideas? I worry sometimes that the frequent cleaning of the ears might damage the hearing. -- E.R., River Falls, Wis.

Dear E.R.: I trust that the vet has ruled out ear mites and that the ear canals have been cleaned of excess fur.

A twice-daily douche of equal parts cider vinegar and warm water for five to seven days may be worth the effort. Dry the ears afterward, tying the ears up over the head with a ribbon to let them breathe. Keep the ears up as long as possible.

Start douching only after the dog's ears have been cleaned out with cerumenolytic, earwax-dissolving drops your vet can prescribe. The natural enzyme cleaner called Zymax may work well.

Twice-daily treats with a pet multivitamin/multimineral tablet may also help; as well as an organic whole food, homemade diet, as per my Web site www.doctormwfox.org.

When traveling by car with an anxious pet

A couple of research studies have shown the benefits of lavender angustifolia oil and oil of ginger in helping anxious and car-sick dogs settle down: Place seven to 10 drops of each of these essential oils on a thin strip of gauze and hang it inside your vehicle for an hour before you set off with your dog. Refresh the gauze with more drops as needed. One set of drops should be good for the immediate period in the vehicle during which time the animal inhales and absorbs these calming and stomach-settling essences.

To order Dr. Michael W. Fox's newsletter, Animal Doctor, on providing the best care for your animal companion, send a check or money order for $2 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Send your questions to Dr. Fox in care of this newspaper. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.