Case Study

End stage Liver disease with Cirrhosis pattern and Portal Hypertension in 10 year old MN Labrador

This 10 year old MN Labrador dog presented with distended abdomen, decreased energy level and decreased appetite.

DX

End stage liver disease with cirrhosis pattern and portal hypertension

Image Interpretation

The liver in this patient presented diffuse, coalescing nodular changes with capsular retraction and secondary ascites. Enhanced mesentery was noted. This is most consistent with hepatic cirrhosis and secondary portal hypertension.

Outcome

Given the diffuse nature of the pathological process throughout the liver, this is most consistent with end stage cirrhosis and secondary portal hypertension and ascites. Palliative care may be somewhat effective in the short term with abdominocentesis and nutraceuticals. Regardless of the underlying histopathology thediffuse nature of the disease will not allow for significant response to therapy. The prognosis is poor.

Sampling

Core liver biopsy could be considered. However, regardless of the underlying histopathology, the
diffuse nature of the disease will not allow for significant response to therapy.