The decision to biopsy must weigh the risk to the patient due to the procedure to the gain of the information of the biopsy. If the dog is deemed stable enough for the procedure the information from the biopsy may direct treatment. This is most helpful if a tumor is discovered. There are treatments for liver disease that do not require hospitalization. Oral medications, such as SAM-e, milk thistle, hemp oil, and lipocaps, have all been used at the sanctuary with varying degrees of success. The goal in these cases is generally to make the dog more comfortable and extend life in a comfortable manner; they are typically not cured.