Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Liver biochemical and histopathological findings in dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Journal:
- Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Adamama-Moraitou, K K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In a study involving eight dogs with a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), researchers looked at liver health after the dogs underwent surgery to block certain pancreatic ducts. They found that these dogs had higher levels of specific liver enzymes in their blood, which can indicate liver problems, while other liver-related substances remained normal. A closer examination of the liver tissue showed signs of fat buildup, known as hepatic lipidosis. This suggests that dogs with EPI may also experience liver issues, so it's important for veterinarians to check liver function in these cases to see if different treatments are needed. Overall, the findings indicate that monitoring liver health is crucial for dogs with EPI.
Abstract
Routine liver biochemical parameters were evaluated in 8 dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) induced by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct and the pancreatic branch of the pancreaticoduodenal artery and confirmed with the trypsin-like immunoreactivity test. Eight additional dogs were used as healthy controls. Data collection began at the 4th week postoperatively and continued weekly to the 21st week. In the dogs with EPI, the serum activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were consistently elevated. The serum total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations remained within normal limits throughout the experimental period. Histopathological study revealed hepatic lipidosis in the dogs with EPI. Therefore, since this condition seems to be an additional consequence of EPI in dogs, laboratory evaluation of dogs with EPI must include assessment of liver function, to determine if additional or different therapeutic measures are indicated.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14979436/