Characterization of clinical presentation, histological features, ultrasonographic findings, and survival in 29 dogs with granulomatous hepatitis.

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous hepatitis (GH) is a form of chronic hepatitis (CH) in dogs for which limited information is published.

HYPOTHESIS

Describe the clinical presentation, clinical pathology, ultrasound, and hepatic histopathology findings and to report survival times in dogs with GH.

ANIMALS

Twenty-nine client-owned dogs with GH.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. Pathology records were searched. Inclusion criteria included a histopathologic diagnosis of GH, absence of an identified etiology or evidence of extrahepatic granulomatous disease, and a medical record available for review. Clinical presentation, clinical pathologic findings, treatment protocols, and survival times were recorded. Available hepatic biopsy material was graded and scored, and ultrasound evaluations reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age was 7 years (range, 0.66-12 years). Nineteen breeds were represented. Decreased appetite (19/29), lethargy (16/29), and fever (13/29) were seen most commonly. All dogs had increased serum transaminase activities, whereas 21/29 and 12/24 had hyperbilirubinemia and neutrophilia, respectively. Ultrasonographic findings included hepatomegaly (12/22), nodular parenchymal lesions (9/22), and hyperechoic parenchymal bands (8/22). Histopathologic necroinflammatory scores were moderate to severe in 16/19 dogs, and fibrosis scores were mild in 14/19 dogs. Treatments varied and included antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and hepatoprotectants. Overall median survival was 635 days (range, 1-2482 days).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Granulomatous hepatitis in dogs is associated with high histopathologic grade, fever, neutrophilia, and a high incidence of hepatomegaly and focal parenchymal lesions on ultrasound examination. Despite disease severity on presentation, dogs with GH can have a good outcome with prolonged survival.