Liver Disease in Dogs with Tracheal Collapse

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Background: Hepatopathy in dogs with chronic respiratory diseases is poorly recognized. The aim of this study was to evaluate liver parameters alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and glutamate dehydrogenase, as well as basal and stimulated bile acid concentration, in dogs with tracheal collapse. Hypothesis: Dogs with tracheal collapse have hepatopathy. Animals: 26 dogs with tracheal collapse. Materials and Methods: Gall bladder contraction was stimulated by intramuscular injection of a synthetic cholecystokinin analogue (ceruletide). Twelve healthy Beagle dogs and 30 dogs of various breeds investigated previously without evidence of hepatic, gastrointestinal, or respiratory diseases served as control. Amelioration of liver variables was assessed after stent implantation. Results: Twelve of 26 (46%) dogs had increased serum activity of 2 or more liver enzymes. Serum basal bile acid concentrations were high in 24 of 26 dogs. Twenty‐and 40‐minute stimulated bile acids were significantly higher in dogs with tracheal collapse (64.2 + 130.0/‐43.0 μmol/L and 82.6 + 164.0/‐57.1 μmol/L) compared to the control dogs (7.0 ± 3.6 μmol/L and 6.4 ± 3.5 μmol/L). All twelve dogs reevaluated after a median of 58 days (48–219 days) had a normal breathing pattern and significantly decreased 20 and 40 minutes stimulated bile acids (50.0 + 92.7/‐32.8 μmol/L, 52.8 + 97.67–34.3 μmol/L; P= .0043), whereas plasma liver enzyme activities were not significantly influenced. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: There was a significant hepatic dysfunction in the majority of dogs with a tracheal collapse. Liver function should be routinely assessed in dogs with severe respiratory disease.