Idiopathic vacuolar hepatopathy (IVH) is a well described syndrome in Scottish Terriers (ST) but the aetiology, progression, and specific treatment for this condition remain unknown. Less is known about the IVH in other dog breeds. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe clinical and clinicopathological features of IVH in breeds other than ST.

Medical records of dogs with cytologically or histologically confirmed hepatic vacuolar changes were searched from 2014–2019. To be included in the study, a complete history, physical examination, a full blood analysis (including adrenal function testing), urinalysis, and abdominal imaging were also required. Dogs with systemic diseases and history of receiving medication previously associated with development of vacuolar hepatopathy (VH) were excluded. ST were excluded as well.

Fourteen dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Breeds included were West Highland White Terrier (n=5), Border Terrier (n=1), Jack Russell Terrier (n=1), Siberian husky (n=1), Shetland Sheep Dog (n=1), Doberman (n=1), Labrador (n=1), Cocker Spaniel (n=1), Bichon Frise (n=1), and Japanese Spitz (n=1). There were 9 spayed females, 3 sexually intact males, 1 intact female, and 1 neutered male. The median age for all dogs at the time of presentation was 10 (range, 7–13 years). Four dogs (4/14) presented with PU-PD, 1/14 had polyphagia, and the rest were asymptomatic. Blood pressure (SBP) measurement was available for 9/14 dogs, which were all hypertensive (median 180 mm Hg; range, 160–210 mm Hg). All dogs had increased median serum ALP (755; range 298–2840 U/L) and AST concentrations (33; range, 22–82 U/L). Ten dogs (10/14) had increased cholesterol (9.49, range 5.6–15.5 mg/dL) and 5/14 dogs had increased triglycerides serum concentration (1.4; range 0.8–5.01 mg/dL). Urinalysis revealed persistent proteinuria (UPCR >0.5) in 12/14 dogs (median 2.4; range 0.13–5.9), without azotaemia and normal SDMA. All dogs presented with mild to moderate amount of mobile gall bladder sludge and heterogeneous and hyperechoic liver parenchyma based on abdominal ultrasound.

The results of this small study revealed that IVH with associated hyperphosphatasemia, lipidosis, proteinuria, and hypertension can affect different dog breeds, predominantly terrier breeds. In view of VH progression and high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in ST, close monitoring of dogs with this syndrome is strongly encouraged.

Disclosures

No disclosures to report.