Chronic focal hepatitis in Golden Retriever dog: Case report

Abstract

Chronic canine hepatitis is a progressive and irreversible disease with a varied etiology that causes decreased liver regeneration and parenchyma replacement due to fibrosis, which may progress to cirrhosis. The objective of the present study was to report the case of a Golden Retriever bitch, 11 years and 3 months old, attended at the University Veterinary Hospital-HVU, São Carlos / SP, Brazil. The reason for the consultation was infection with Giardia sp, but laboratory tests to evaluate the biological functions of the patient resulted in high ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and FA (alkaline phosphatase), in addition to hypoalbuminemia, indicating severe hepatic injury, however, without presenting any other clinical signs common in hepatopathy dogs (jaundice, ascites, vomiting, etc.). Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed hepatomegaly and the presence of a single amorphous structure with irregular contours and heterogeneous parenchyma. As a surgical treatment, partial hepatectomy was chosen for removal of the right medial lobe where the mass was located. Ursacol (ursodeoxycholic acid), SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) and vitamin E were prescribed for clinical treatment on a daily basis. Histopathology of the sample resulted in hepatocellular hyperplasia with formation of fibrin bridges and regenerative nodules, indicative of chronic hepatitis, in addition to absence of malignancy characteristics or infectious agents. The patient was followed up in the months following the treatment, with a marked reduction in serum liver enzymes and maintenance of good health. It is concluded that the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis, before the appearance of clinical signs, associated with partial hepatectomy and clinical treatment improves the prognosis and survival of patients with focal liver disease.