Lobular dissecting hepatitis in a 17 month old cocker spaniel

Abstract

A 17 month old castrated male Cocker Spaniel was evaluated for inflammatory bowel disease, an undefined hepatopathy and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Preliminary diagnostic testing revealed changes consistent with liver disease and gastrointestinal disease. An abdominal ultrasound showed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts in the area behind the left kidney and minimal small cystic calculi. Because of the concern for varix formation, an exploratory laparotomy was performed in an attempt to localize the source of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and to obtain liver biopsies for histopathology. The presence of multiple acquired portosystemic shunts was confirmed during surgery, but a clear source of gastrointestinal hemorrhage was not identified. Histopathologic findings were consistent with lobular dissecting hepatitis, a type of idiopathic hepatic fibrosis seen in young dogs. Clinical findings could be attributed to portal hypertension secondary to diffuse hepatic fibrosis. Despite repeated attempts at therapy, gastrointestinal hemorrhage persisted. The dog was humanely euthanized three weeks after discharge.