Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cholangitis and liver inflammation in dogs signs and diagnosis
By Harrison, J L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2018·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis in Dogs: A Descriptive Study of 54 Cases Based on Histopathologic Diagnosis (2004-2014).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 54 dogs with cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the bile ducts and liver) showed symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Most of these dogs had elevated liver enzymes and ultrasound findings indicating liver issues. Bacterial infections were found in many cases, and the study noted that older dogs and those who did not have surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) had a higher risk of death. Overall, dogs that underwent cholecystectomy had better survival rates, suggesting that this surgery could improve outcomes for affected dogs.
People also search for: dog vomiting and lethargy · cholangitis in dogs treatment · dog liver disease symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cholangitis in dogs appears to be more common than previously thought, but understanding of the disease remains incomplete. OBJECTIVE: To describe a population of dogs with cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis. ANIMALS: Fifty-four client-owned dogs with cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis confirmed by histopathology between January 2004 and December 2014 were identified using a computer-based search and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Clinical signs included vomiting (72.2%), lethargy (70.4%), and inappetence (64.8%). Most dogs (49/50) had increased liver enzyme activities, hyperbilirubinemia (32/50), and hypercholesterolemia (24/43). Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the hepatobiliary system were seen in 84% of cases. On histopathology, 53 of 54 affected dogs had neutrophilic cholangitis (NC) or cholangiohepatitis, whereas 1 dog had lymphocytic cholangitis. Most cases (42/54) were chronic. Evidence of concurrent biliary disease (46.2%) and biliary tract obstruction (42.6%) was common. Seventeen of 36 biliary and 11 of 25 liver cultures were positive for bacterial growth; Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. were most common. Median patient survival was 671 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 114-1,426). On Cox regression, dogs that did not have a cholecystectomy performed had a 2.1 greater hazard for death (P = 0.037; 95% CI: 1.0-4.3) compared to cholecystectomized dogs. Dogs >13 years old had a 5.0 greater hazard for death (P = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.9-13.2) compared to younger dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic NC or cholangiohepatitis was most common. Cholecystitis and biliary tract obstruction often occurred in conjunction with cholangitis. Cholecystectomized dogs had decreased risk of death; thus, cholecystectomy may improve patient outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29131399/