Smallies 7 - Liver Flashcards
What is required in the dietary treatment for Copper Storage Disease?
Feed a low copper diet with increased dietary zinc
Avoid tap water in soft water areas with Cu pipes
Avoid high Cu treats e.g. shellfish, liver, kidney, cereals, chocolate
What is included in the general supportive care for Copper Storage Disease?
As for chronic hepatitis
Antioxidants such as SAM-e and Vitamin E
Ursodeoxycholic acid
What is the use of copper chelating agents in the treatment for Copper Storage Disease?
Bind free extracellular Cu which is then excreted by kidneys e.g. d-Penicillamine
Use to ‘de-copper’ the liver when biopsy proven or true copper storage breed
What is the use of zinc salts in the treatment for Copper Storage Disease?
Reduce absorption of Cu from the GIT
Use to prevent Cu accumulation
Don’t use with copper chelating agents
When is medical management important for congenital portosystemic shunts?
When stabilising a patient for surgical management
When surgery is not possible
When surgery has not been fully successful
List examples of canine primary hepatic neoplasia
Hepatocellular carcinoma Hepatocellular adenoma Haemangiosarcoma (primary/secondary) Biliary carcinoma Biliary adenoma Lymphoma Neuroendocrine tumours Leiomyosarcoma
What are clinical signs of hepatic neoplasia in dogs?
Often non-specific clinical signs e.g. lethargy, poor appetite
Signs may be associated with a complication e.g. abdominal bleed?
Palpable mass may be only sign
Signs as for chronic chronic hepatitis
What is the treatment for hepatic neoplasia in dogs?
Surgery is treatment of choice but assess for metastatic disease before major interventions by doing thoracic radiographs R and L lateral +/- DV
Chemotherapy only effective for lymphoma (but all chemotherapy drugs are metabolised by the liver so may see more adverse effects – control doses carefully)
What are possible causes of neutrophilic cholangitis in dogs?
Ascending infection or haematogenous spread
Streps, E coli, Klebsiella, Proteus
What are clinical signs of neutrophilic cholangitis in dogs?
Clinical signs are variable but can include lethargy, pyrexia, vomiting and icterus
What is seen on clinical pathology with neutrophilic cholangitis in dogs?
Variable liver enzyme elevations, increased bilirubin
Neutrophilia with/without left shift
What is required to make a diagnosis of neutrophilic cholangitis in dogs?
Diagnosis requires bile centesis +/- liver biopsy
What is the treatment for neutrophilic cholangitis in dogs?
Antibiotic treatment based on culture results
Treat for 8 weeks minimum
What are possible causes of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in dogs?
Pancreatitis or pancreatic tumour Bile duct tumour Duodenal FB or mass GB mucocoele Cholelithiasis Local trauma, inflammation
What are clinical signs of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in dogs?
Signs very often due to underlying reason for obstruction
Very variable, non-specific in early stages
Depends on whether partial or complete obstruction
Pointing to post-hepatic jaundice
What is needed for the diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in dogs?
Clinical pathology - ALP, bilirubin usually very high
Ultrasound to determine if cause can be seen
What are the causes of bile duct rupture from canine biliary tract disease?
Usually same causes as extra hepatic bile duct obstruction Pancreatitis or pancreatic tumour Bile duct tumour Duodenal FB or mass GB mucocoele Cholelithiasis Local trauma, inflammation
What are the consequences if bile duct rupture?
Bile peritonitis leading to abdominal effusion
What are the clinical signs of bile duct rupture?
Profound jaundice common
Abdominal pain +/- distention
What is the treatment of bile duct rupture?
Surgery to manage underlying cause
Cholecystectomy - histopathology and culture of gall bladder wall
Why should hypertonic saline be avoided in dehydrated patients?
It will cause cellular dehydration and intensify the hypovolaemia by intensifying diuresis before plasma volume expansion has been achieved
Why would you perform a liver biopsy?
Part of routine screen Mass Generalised hepatopathy Hepatitis Jaundice
What are portosystemic shunts?
Portosystemic shunts are an anomalous connection between the portal and systemic venous systems.
What is the ductus venosus?
Normal bypass of the liver in utero, this then becomes a ligament once born)