MVSc

Investigation on heapto-biliary disorders was conducted in forty dogs using ultrasonography and correlated ultrasonography with haemato-biochemical and histological findings.
Parameters studied were history, clinical signs, physical examination, ultrasonography of liver, serology, haematology and serum biochemistry, post-mortem examination and histopathology.
Age of affected animals with hepato-biliary disorders was 4.54 ± 0.47 years. Among dog breeds, highest incidence was found in German shepherd followed by Dachshund. Female dogs were more affected by the hepato-biliary disorders. Clinical signs more specific to hepato-biliary disorders were ascites and icterus.
Primary hepatic diseases that produced ultrasound changes were hepatic abscess, hepatic neoplasia, leptospirosis, cirrhosis, fibrosis and chronic active hepatitis. Biliary changes were observed in cholangiocellular carcinoma, chloangiohepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and gall bladder sludge. Secondary liver diseases were associated with pyometra, ehrlichiosis, rhabdomyolysis and passive venous congestion due to dilated cardiomyopathy.
Varying degrees of leucocytosis and anaemia were the consistent finding. Total serum protein and albumin were reduced in majority of hepato-biliary disorders, with a marked reduction in cirrhosis and fibrosis. Serum copper level was elevated in Dalmatians with chronic hepatitis. Serum alpha feto protein was detected/increased in hepatic neoplasia. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase were elevated in varying degrees in majority of hepatobiliary disorders.
Histological changes in leptospirosis were chronic venous and sinusoidal congestion. In cirrhosis, major histological findings were fibrosis and pseudolobulation whereas biliary hyperplasia in cholangiocarcinoma.
From the present study it was inferred that ultrasonography was a valuable diagnostic tool for hepatopathies supported with clinico-haemato-biochemical findings.