Neutrophil activation cause of inflammation in canine liver disease
Liver disease is a major health issue in dogs.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine and The Roslin Institute have discovered that high levels of ammonia in dogs with liver disease causes an unregulated immune response by activating neutrophils. The resultant inflammation seen in these cases then further decreases the dog’s overall health.
Inflammatory molecules and high levels of ammonia are commonly discovered in canine liver disease cases and, while treating the liver disease generally results in a decrease in both ammonia and inflammation levels, it has not been known until now what caused the associated inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural and often useful immune response when infection is present, but it is thought that when this response is activated inappropriately, that significant detriment can occur within the body.
Craig R. Breheny, lead scientist involved in the research, states: “Liver disease is a huge issue both in human and veterinary medicine. This study shows how the relationship between ammonia and the inflammatory response strengthens the dog’s role as a model of the human condition”.
Treatment for liver disease is often supportive and the aetiology is largely unknown.
By closely observing the precise activity of these neutrophils, the researchers hope to develop improved treatment and to prevent this unregulated immune response. Breheny concludes: “By understanding how the disease works, new therapies can be investigated to the benefit of both veterinary and human patients”.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
