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.

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.

Assessing disease severity and prognosis in canine acute pancreatitis (AP) remains a major clinical challenge. This study evaluated the clinical utility of the Adapted Modified Canine Activity Index (aMCAI), a clinical scoring system refined from the original MCAI. A prospective observational study was conducted on 42 dogs diagnosed with AP, with aMCAI scores assessed on Days 1, 3, and 5. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyze score progression over time and differences between survivors and non-survivors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated the prognostic accuracy for 30 day survival. The LMM analysis revealed that non-survivors had significantly higher aMCAI scores than survivors (p = 0.035), and overall scores decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed poor discrimination on Days 1 and 3. However, on Day 5 the aMCAI demonstrated good prognostic performance (AUC = 0.813, p < 0.001). A cutoff value of ≥2.5 on Day 5 yielded 100% sensitivity, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.00 and a 100% negative predictive value, providing clinically relevant prognostic information. These findings suggest that the aMCAI is a practical tool for monitoring disease progression and may support the identification of dogs with a high likelihood of survival.