Chronic hepatitis in dogs.

Chronic hepatitis in dogs is not one disease but a diverse group of diseases, resulting in a common clinical and clinical pathologic picture. Viruses, leptospires, other infectious agents, drugs, hereditary factors, and autoimmunity have all been associated with hepatic disease leading to chronic hepatitis in dogs. In most cases of canine hepatitis, the etiology is unknown. Biopsy and histopathology are needed to establish a diagnosis, possible etiology, and prognosis. Treatment is mostly supportive. In some cases of chronic active hepatitis, corticosteroid therapy is appropriate. Sequential liver biopsies are the best way to monitor progress.