Difference between revisions of "Hepatitis, Chronic"
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| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
===Clinical Signs=== | ===Clinical Signs=== | ||
These include | These include | ||
| − | * | + | *lethargy, weakness, anorexia and weight loss |
| − | * | + | *vomiting and diarrhoea |
| − | * | + | *polyuria and polydipsia |
| − | * | + | *ascites |
| − | * | + | *and rarely icterus, seizures, fever and bleeding disthesis |
| − | === | + | ===Laboratory tests=== |
| − | *Increased ALT and ALP. However these may not be incrased if end-stage cirrhosis is reached. | + | ====Biochemistry==== |
| + | *Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However these may not be incrased if end-stage cirrhosis is reached. | ||
*Hypoalbuminaemia | *Hypoalbuminaemia | ||
*Decreased urea | *Decreased urea | ||
Revision as of 11:06, 7 August 2009
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This article is still under construction. |
Signalment
Familial predisposition including Doberman pinscher, Bedlington Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmation, Skye Terrier, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Scottish Terrier, Beagle.
Description
Chronic hepatitis is an inflammatory-necrotising disease of at least 6 months duration. It predominantly consists of lymphocytic-plasmacytic inflammatory infiltration. A number of causes include:
- Copper accumulation
- Drugs
- Infections
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
These include
- lethargy, weakness, anorexia and weight loss
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- polyuria and polydipsia
- ascites
- and rarely icterus, seizures, fever and bleeding disthesis
Laboratory tests
Biochemistry
- Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However these may not be incrased if end-stage cirrhosis is reached.
- Hypoalbuminaemia
- Decreased urea
- Increased bile acids
Imaging
Biopsy
This is required for definitive diagnosis. Histology reveals lymphoplasmacellular inflammation and necrosis of the hepatocytes adjacent to the portal tracts.
Treatment
- Glucocorticoids at 1-2 mg/kg/day PO. Taper down with improved clinical signs and normal liver enzymes values
- Ursodeoxycholic acid at 15mg/kg PO SID
- Antioxidants
- Copper chelation with Penicillamine or Zinc if copper exceeds 2000ppm