Acute Hepatitis

Samantha

 

"Samantha" is a 7 year old spayed Labrador Retriever that was presented with a history of vomiting, listlessness and a bloated abdomen of several days duration. She was very depressed and could hardly hold her head up. She was moderately dehydrated and was running a fever of 104 degrees. There was no history of ingestion of anything toxic. She was current on all of her vaccinations.

Blood samples were obtained for a complete blood count and comprehensive blood chemistry panel. Urine was obtained for urinalysis. Because of the swollen abdomen, radiographs of the abdomen were scheduled. These showed an enlarged liver and an indistinct “fuzzy” area at the border of liver near the stomach. It was suspected that this might be an abdominal mass (tumor) of some type.

“Samantha” was placed on antibiotics and intravenous fluids and monitored very closely while waiting for the blood results to be completed.

The blood tests revealed evidence of infection and cellular damage to the liver. Several of the liver enzymes were elevated significantly. This correlated with some type of liver pathology, but it was difficult to determine which type from the radiographs. The radiographs were sent to a radiology specialist who determined that the liver was just swollen and that there probably was not a mass in the abdomen. He suggested an ultrasound evaluation of the liver and abdomen if necessary.

The antibiotics and fluid therapy were continued for 24 hours. By the next morning, “Samantha” was a new dog. Her fever was down, she had her energy back and her tail was wagging. She was released from the hospital with oral antibiotics and made an uneventful recovery.

Diagnosis: acute hepatitis