Small animal veterinary case study – Dougie MN lhasa apso
Case provided by Yvonne McGrotty BVMS CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
European Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dougie is a 3yr MN Lhasa Apso who presented with a recent history of abdominal distension and decreased appetite. Bloods revealed low albumin and low cholesterol and increased bile acids consistent with liver dysfunction.
Figure 1: Dougie
Figure 2: Ultrasound of abdomen showing free fluid separating the liver lobes
Figure 3: Free fluid highlighting the spleen
Figure 4: Laparoscopic image of the abnormal liver
Figure 5: A nodule on the surface of the liver
Figure 6: Biopsy forceps about to collect a liver biopsy
Conclusion
The fluid was aspirated and confirmed to be a transudate.
Laparascopic liver biopsies were obtained after checking Dougie’s clotting times were within range. Liver biopsies have confirmed that Dougie has chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis. He is currently doing fairly well on medical treatment and all the abdominal fluid has resolved.