Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment and outcomes for dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome
By Loftus, John P et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2022·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Treatment and outcomes of dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome or hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 41 dogs with a rare skin condition linked to liver problems, known as hepatocutaneous syndrome, were treated with various therapies. Most dogs received intravenous amino acid infusions and nutritional supplements, with some on home-cooked diets. Remarkably, four dogs achieved remission from their skin issues, and those receiving optimal treatment lived significantly longer, with some surviving over 1,700 days. This suggests that with the right treatment plan, dogs with this condition can have improved outcomes and longer lives.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) in dogs is a rare disorder most commonly associated with hepatocutaneous syndrome. Although often reported as fatal, sporadically reported long-term remissions might be more common than previously believed and linked to treatment regimens. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate treatments and associated outcomes in dogs with hepatocutaneous-associated hepatopathy (HCH) with or without SND, designated collectively aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES). ANIMALS: Forty-one dogs of various breeds and ages diagnosed with ACHES. METHODS: Retrospective study. Electronic surveys, medical records (2014-2019), and communication with veterinarians provided data. Three treatment categories were each dichotomized: IV amino acid (IV-AA) infusions (≥2 vs <2), supplements including S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), arginine with ornithine, glutathione, lysine, proline, omega-3 fatty acids, or zinc (≥3 vs <3), and diet type (home-cooked vs commercial). Optimal treatment was defined as receiving ≥2 IV-AA treatments, ≥3 nutritional supplements, and a home-cooked diet. RESULTS: Most dogs (29/41, 71%) received IV-AA infusions (23/29, ≥2 infusions). Twenty-one dogs (51%) were fed commercial diets; 17/41 (41%) were fed home-cooked diets. Most dogs received SAMe (32/41, 78%) and a median of 3 supplements. In 4 dogs, HCH remission occurred. Overall all-cause median survival time (MST) was 359 days, and disease-specific MST was 557 days (range, 1-1783 days). Optimally treated dogs (n = 9) lived significantly longer (MST, >1783 days, P = .02) than variably treated dogs (MST, 214 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Optimized ACHES management can resolve SND and HCH and confer long-term survival.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34820906/