Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Management of liver disease in dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- Modern veterinary practice
- Year:
- 1984
- Authors:
- Tams, T R
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Doberman dog had yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and pain in the belly. A liver biopsy showed damage to the liver cells, but after receiving fluids, an antibiotic called ampicillin, and some rest, the dog recovered. A Collie that was hit by a car developed liver and muscle damage but healed with just rest. A mixed-breed dog with liver cancer (hepatic lymphosarcoma) received chemotherapy for five months before it was necessary to put him to sleep. A cat that became very tired and stopped eating after taking a medication had a liver biopsy that showed fatty changes and inflammation, but with supportive care, including antibiotics and extra nutrition, the cat recovered. Another cat with jaundice and a lack of appetite had surgery to fix a blocked bile duct, which also led to recovery. Lastly, a cat that was vomiting, very tired, and jaundiced had chronic inflammation of the bile ducts and recovered after treatment with antibiotics, fluids, steroids, and help with eating. Overall, the treatments were effective in helping these pets recover from their liver issues.
Abstract
A Doberman with jaundice, hepatomegaly and cranial abdominal pain had evidence of centrilobular necrosis on liver biopsy. Therapy with fluids, ampicillin and rest resulted in recovery. A Collie hit by a car developed traumatic hepatopathy and myopathy. The animal recovered with rest as the only treatment. A mongrel with hepatic lymphosarcoma benefited from chemotherapy for 5 months before euthanasia was necessary. A cat became lethargic and anorectic 9 days after an oral dose of piperazine. Liver biopsy revealed fatty change, vacuolation and mononuclear infiltration. Supportive care with amoxicillin, fluids and a high caloric intake resulted in recovery. Laparotomy in a jaundiced, anorectic cat revealed an obstructed common bile duct. Cholecystoduodenostomy and supportive care resulted in recovery. A vomiting, lethargic, jaundiced cat had evidence of chronic cholangitis on liver biopsy. The animal recovered after treatment with amoxicillin, fluids, prednisolone and forced feeding.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6547204/