Labrador retrievers were among the dog breeds found to be at increased risk of chronic hepatitis.

Work could increase a veterinary surgeon’s index of a particular liver condition.

New research led by researchers at Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, the University of Cambridge, has revealed fresh insights into canine hepatobiliary disease.

The study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) is the first of its kind to document the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary disease in a large group of dogs in the United Kingdom.

The team hopes that the work may help increase a veterinary surgeon’s index of particular liver disease, particularly if a diagnosis cannot be obtained through biopsy.

In the study, researchers reviewed histopathology reports from canine liver tissues submitted to a commercial laboratory by first and second opinion veterinary practices. Data gathered included breed, age, sex, gross and histological descriptions, diagnosis and additional comments. 
 
The scientists grouped the data into 23 categories according to WSAVA histological criteria for canine hepatobiliary diseases. A breed analysis was also performed on the top five ranking breeds within each category. 

Of the 4,584 reports included in the analysis, the most common histopathological diagnoses were reactive hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and reversible hepatocellular injury. Labrador retrievers were found to have increased odds for reactive hepatitis, while crossbreeds demonstrated reduced odds.

The team also found that breeds with increased risk of chronic hepatitis included the Labrador retriever, springer spaniel, cocker spaniel, and West Highland White Terrier. Within the RHI group, the schnauzer and Bichon Frise had increased odds of disease. 

“This is the first study to report the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases and to identify possible breed predispositions in a large cohort of dogs in the UK,” commented Dr Yuvani Bandara, corresponding author for the paper.

“Despite multivariable analysis not being performed to account for confounding factors, we hope that this information informs and supports future investigations for hepatic disease in particular breeds and potential predisposition.”

Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP, added: “By increasing knowledge of the varying histopathological frequencies of different canine hepatobiliary diseases in the UK and by providing data on breed predispositions, this study may help assist in increasing a veterinary surgeon’s index of suspicion of a particular liver disease. This may be particularly important in cases where a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis cannot be obtained.”