Hepatic Fibrosis in Four German Shepherd Dogs

What is it about?

Idiopathic hepatic fibrosis (İHF) is an inevitable result of chronic liver disease progressing to cirrhosis. Idiopathic Hepatic fibrosis is characterized as congenital or juvenile form in German Shepherd Dogs. However, few data have been published on the incidence and prevalence of IHF in canine species. The case report presented here describes idiopathic hepatic fibrosis in four neutered German Shephered dogs with a familial relationship. The main clinical complaints were refractory ascites, variable appetite and progressive weight loss. Hepatic fibrosis was confirmed with diagnostic applications and liver biopsy. Nevertheless, all dogs died in spite of supportive and aggressive treatment. Necropsy was performed in the dogs according to written owner consent. In conclusion, the cases presented here reflect the congenital condition of idiopathic hepatic fibrosis in young German Shepherd Dogs with histopathological evidence. However, there was evidence of familial relationship in the cases presented here.

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Why is it important?

Idiopathic hepatic fibrosis (İHF) is an inevitable result of chronic liver disease progressing to cirrhosis. Idiopathic Hepatic fibrosis is characterized as congenital or juvenile form in German Shepherd Dogs. However, few data have been published on the incidence and prevalence of IHF in canine species. The case report presented here describes idiopathic hepatic fibrosis in four neutered German Shephered dogs with a familial relationship. The main clinical complaints were refractory ascites, variable appetite and progressive weight loss. Hepatic fibrosis was confirmed with diagnostic applications and liver biopsy. Nevertheless, all dogs died in spite of supportive and aggressive treatment. Necropsy was performed in the dogs according to written owner consent. In conclusion, the cases presented here reflect the congenital condition of idiopathic hepatic fibrosis in young German Shepherd Dogs with histopathological evidence. However, there was evidence of familial relationship in the cases presented here.

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