New insights into canine liver disease
Researchers say the findings provide a base for developing new treatments.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into the causes of neurological abnormalities arising from canine liver disease.
As part of a new study, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has joined forces with the RVC to further understand why dogs may suffer from these complications.
Neurological abnormalities are one of the most common complications of canine liver disease. Symptoms include lethargy, confusion, stupor and altered gait.
Often known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE), this syndrome can have a significant impact on the animal's quality of life.
The causes of this complication in dogs with liver disease is poorly understood and Royal Dick experts say this has made it difficult to develop novel treatments.
Clinicians from Royal Dick partnered with colleagues at RVC to study a range of clinical and biochemical abnormalities that have been linked to HE, using a large sample of dogs with liver disease.
Researchers found both ammonia and inflammation were predictors when it came to the development of HE.
Interestingly, other factors which have been anecdotally tied to the development of the syndrome were discovered not to be associated with neurological abnormalities.
The research team say this work offers an evidence base from which to develop new treatments. It is hoped these will be able to reduce the incidence and severity of HE.
Royal Dick recently carried out a follow-up study in partnership with Dick White Referrals. The team discovered interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were higher in dogs with cPSS.
Interleukin-6 is believed to be important in mediating neurological disturbances in humans with liver disease.
Researchers are now investigating whether interleukin-6 produces similar effects in dogs.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
