Management of liver disease in dogs and cats.

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.