Chronic hepatic fibrosis in an 8 year old French Bulldog

Abstract

An 8 year old spayed female French bulldog presented to Cornell University with a history of inappetance, polyuria, polydysia, dyspnea and ascites. Bloodwork revealed increased liver enzymes and bilirubin. Abdominal ultrasound showed a small liver on the left side and an acquired portosystemic shunt. Biopsy revealed periportal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, nodular regeneration and severe diffuse parenchymal collapse with portal to portal bridging fibrosis. These changes are not consistent with cirrhosis but are representative of those described in congenital hepatic fibrosis. A gall bladder mucocele with cholecystitis was also found. The patient was treated with Baytril, metronidazole, and Clavamox for presumptive infectious cause of hepatitis. Furosemide and spironolactone were used to reduce ascites. Denamarin, ursodeoxycholic acid, and phosphatidylcholine were also used empirically for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The patient is currently being managed locally, and, six months after initiation of treatment, is reportedly doing well.