Chronic hepatitis in a Labrador Retriever

Hauff, Annie

Chronic hepatitis in a Labrador Retriever

Abstract

Mabel, a 9 year old Labrador Retriever, presented to Cornell University Hospital for Animals for the primary complaints of icterus, decreased appetite, polyuria, polydipsia, and lethargy. Differential diagnoses at this point included: hepatocellular damage, biliary tract disease, hemolysis, renal insufficiency. Initial diagnostics included blood work (complete blood count, chemistry panel, coagulation panel, leptospira panel), free catch urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound with liver aspiration. Initial diagnostics revealed severely increased liver enzymes and bilirubin with a decreased blood urea nitrogen, decreased urine specific gravity and a diffusely hyperechoic liver with innumerable hypoechoic nodules. Laparoscopic guided liver biopsy was performed and revealed severely altered liver architecture. Both cytology and histology revealed severe inflammation surrounding the portal triads that breached the limiting plate, individual cell necrosis, and bridging fibrosis. These findings were consistent with Chronic Hepatitis, which has an increased incidence in Labrador Retrievers. Diagnosis is made through liver histology. Etiology is largely unknown, and treatment is largely supportive.

Journal / Series

Senior seminar paper
Seminar SF610.1 2008 H38

Date Issued

2008-04-02

Keywords

Dogs -- Diseases -- Case studies

Types

term paper