Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) often leads to vacuolar hepatopathy. The impact of trilostane treatment on serum total bile acids (SBAs) concentrations in dogs with HAC remains unknown. This study investigated SBAs concentrations in healthy dogs and those with HAC following trilostane therapy. Ten healthy dogs and fifteen dogs with HAC were prospectively enrolled. A biochemistry profile and pre- and post-prandial SBAs concentrations were determined in each dog. Dogs with HAC were reassessed at 1 and 3 months after the initiation of trilostane treatment. Dogs with HAC had significantly higher serum ALT, ALP, and GGT activities, and cholesterol, triglyceride, and pre-prandial SBAs concentrations compared to healthy dogs. After 3 months of trilostane treatment, polyuria/polydipsia and polyphagia were completely resolved in 42.8% and 35.7%, respectively. Significant improvements in serum ALT and ALP activities and cholesterol concentrations were observed within 1–3 months of trilostane treatment. However, pre- and post-prandial SBAs concentrations did not significantly decrease. These findings suggest that treatment with low-dose trilostane for 3 months appears to reduce serum liver enzyme activities, but not SBAs concentrations. Further investigation is warranted to explore the effects of low-dose trilostane treatment on SBAs concentrations for a longer duration or after achieving appropriate post-ACTH cortisol levels.

Long-term outcomes and survival predictors for different clinicopathologies (idiopathic chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, vacuolar hepatopathy) in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases are poorly described. In this study, ninety dogs were followed up for up to five years to investigate clinical factors that predict two-year survival in canine patients after liver biopsy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed based on clinical and laboratory data to determine the association between clinical and laboratory data and mortality rates. Overall, the one-, two-, and five-year mortality rates were 28.9%, 45.6%, and 78.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that male gender, ascites, elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT), and prolonged thrombin clotting time (TT) were associated with an increased two-year mortality rate. Results from multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between male gender (p = 0.022), elevated serum GGT (p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001), and prolonged aPTT (p < 0.001) and an increased two-year mortality rate, regardless of the specific type of liver pathology. Elevated GGT was associated with the highest risk for increased two-year mortality (95% CI: hazard ratio 6.02–41.21). In conclusion, various clinical factors in dogs with liver diseases are useful for prognosis prediction.

A 5-year-old female neutered domestic short-haired cat presented with abdominal enlargement. An abdominal ultrasound revealed that large multiple hepatic cysts with irregular walls, hypoechoic fluid, and internal septations occupied most of the liver parenchyma. Serum liver enzymes, bilirubin, and bile acids concentrations were within normal limits. A fecal examination using simple floatation and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques was negative for liver fluke (Platynosomum fastosum), intestinal protozoa, and other helminth eggs. Praziquantel was prescribed for two distinct courses one month apart without obvious improvement of the hepatic cysts. An abdominal laparotomy and histopathological examination finally enabled diagnosis of cyst-like lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis of the liver tissue. Twelve weeks of oral prednisolone resulted in marked ultrasonographic improvement of the hepatic cysts. The liver parenchyma was heterogeneous and filled with multiple small anechoic cavities. Twenty-three months after ceasing the prednisolone, there was no recurrence of hepatic cysts.

Pancreatitis in cats ranges from mild forms with low mortality to severe cases with poor prognosis, and early identification of high-risk patients remains a challenge. The prognostic significance of hyperlactatemia and metabolic acidosis in feline pancreatitis is not well established. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors in hospitalized cats with pancreatitis and assess the predictive value of hyperlactatemia and metabolic acidosis. A retrospective study of 142 cats diagnosed between January 2020 and December 2023 was conducted, analyzing signalment, clinical signs, and clinicopathological findings. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, abnormal feline pancreatic lipase assay, and abdominal sonography. Multivariate analysis identified jaundice (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7–12.7), renal disease (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.05–5.40), hypoalbuminemia (OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.70–9.01), increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.96–11.53), and neutrophil cytoplasmic toxic change (OR, 10.54; 95% CI, 4.17–26.7) as independent prognostic indicators. The combination of renal disease and jaundice increased the mortality risk 12-fold, while hypoalbuminemia and neutrophil toxic changes increased it 120-fold. However, hyperlactatemia and metabolic acidosis upon admission were not predictive of outcomes. These findings suggest that jaundice, renal disease, hypoalbuminemia, increased BUN, and neutrophil toxic changes are significant prognostic indicators in feline pancreatitis, whereas hyperlactatemia and metabolic acidosis do not predict mortality.

Congenital umbilicobiliary fistula is a rare disease reported in humans and dogs. A 2-month-old, intact, male French Bulldog presented with a greenish-yellow discharge dripping from the umbilicus since birth. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were within normal limits, but serum alkaline phosphatase activity was mildly elevated. A positive contrast cystogram was performed to rule out a patent urachus and confirmed the presence of a vesicourachal diverticula, a type of urachal anomalies. An abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography fistulogram demonstrated a communication between the umbilicus and common bile duct, which suggested an umbilicobiliary fistula. Surgical correction of the umbilicobiliary fistula and vesicourachal diverticula was successfully performed with an uneventful recovery. Histological analysis of the fistulous tract demonstrated a cuboidal/columnar lining epithelium that transitioned to squamous epithelium near the umbilicus. Agenesis of the gallbladder was noted. The application of multiple imaging techniques in the diagnosis and surgical correction of these congenital abnormalities (umbilicobiliary fistula, gallbladder agenesis, and vesicourachal diverticula) was beneficial for treatment planning and outcome.