{"id":438,"date":"2015-03-01T13:33:35","date_gmt":"2015-03-01T13:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=438"},"modified":"2022-02-18T10:27:13","modified_gmt":"2022-02-18T10:27:13","slug":"canine-chronic-hepatitis-diagnosis-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/hepatology\/canine-chronic-hepatitis-diagnosis-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Chronic Hepatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chronic hepatitis is the most common liver disease in dogs. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Liver Standardization Group has published standards for diagnosis of the various forms of chronic hepatitis.1<\/sup> This article reviews the current literature on diagnosis and treatment of canine chronic hepatitis.<\/p>\n

Profile<\/h2>\n

Chronic hepatitis is characterized by hepatocellular apoptosis or necrosis, a variable mononuclear or mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, regeneration, and fibrosis on histopathologic examination.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Predisposition<\/strong>
\nThe Doberman, West Highland white terrier, Labrador retriever, Skye terrier, American cocker spaniel, English cocker spaniel, standard poodle, and Bedlington terrier breeds are predisposed to chronic hepatitis.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

Causes<\/strong>
\nIn most cases of canine chronic hepatitis, the cause is unknown. Known causes are outlined in Table 1<\/strong>.3-9<\/sup> The cause, if known, should precede the term chronic hepatitis<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Initial Findings<\/h2>\n

Clinical Signs<\/strong>
\nPatients with chronic hepatitis often present with nonspecific clinical signs, although more specific signs may occur in patients with advanced disease (Table 2<\/strong>). Some affected dogs are asymptomatic at presentation, and clinical signs may be inapparent in patients with compensated advanced disease.<\/p>\n

Physical Examination<\/strong>
\nPhysical examination findings for chronic hepatitis are nonspecific, often normal and, in most cases, do not provide any information to identify the\u00a0affected system unless the patient has jaundice (Table 2<\/strong>). Laboratory investigation is required to further evaluate patients for chronic hepatitis.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

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Clinicopathologic examination is an important component of screening for evidence of chronic hepatitis and concurrent disease, and evaluating the systemic status of the patient.<\/p>\n

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Laboratory Findings<\/h2>\n

A complete biochemical profile, complete blood cell count, and urinalysis are generally adequate to screen for abnormalities.<\/p>\n

Hepatic Abnormalities<\/strong>
\nEnzyme Activities & Bilirubin<\/strong>. Particular attention should be given to any elevation of hepatobiliary enzyme activities and bilirubin:<\/p>\n