A case of cirrhotic multi-organ failure in a Caucasian dog

Abstract

Summary Cirrhosis is an end-stage chronic condition of the liver with multiple aetiologies of fatal consequence in dogs, which requires early detection and management. We performed a post-mortem examination on a dog following clinical management of a suspected case of cardiac and liver insufficiency based on the exhibited symptoms and signs that included, amongst others, weakness and unresponsive edema of the dependent parts before it died. Ante-mortem and post-mortem samples analysis took place according to standard procedures. We observed normocytic hypochromic anemia and lymphocytic leukocytosis with decreased aminotransferase and elevated alkaline phosphates levels. The liver looked smaller with irregular shapes containing numerous nodules of varying sizes, including the gross enlargement of the pre-scapular lymph nodes, heart, spleen, and kidneys. Congestion, edema, mononuclear cellular infiltration, and necrosis characterized the tissues microscopically. Therefore, we diagnosed and demonstrated cirrhotic liver-induced multiple organ failure in the dog to help deepen the knowledge gap in Veterinary practice.