Liver disease in dogs with tracheal collapse

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Hepatology
• Respiratory Disease in Dogs

Background:

• Hepatopathy in dogs with chronic respiratory diseases is underrecognized.
• Tracheal collapse is a common respiratory condition in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate liver parameters and bile acid concentrations in dogs with tracheal collapse.
• To determine if tracheal collapse is associated with canine hepatopathy.

Main Methods:

• Assessed liver enzymes (alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase) and basal/stimulated bile acid concentrations in 26 dogs with tracheal collapse.
• Used a synthetic cholecystokinin analogue (ceruletide) to stimulate gallbladder contraction.
• Compared results to healthy control dogs and reevaluated 12 dogs after stent implantation.

Main Results:

• 46% of dogs with tracheal collapse had elevated liver enzymes.
• 24 out of 26 dogs showed high basal bile acid concentrations.
• Stimulated bile acid concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with tracheal collapse compared to controls.
• Following stent implantation, bile acid levels decreased significantly, though liver enzyme activities remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• A significant hepatic dysfunction is present in the majority of dogs with tracheal collapse.
• Liver function should be routinely assessed in dogs suffering from severe respiratory diseases like tracheal collapse.
• Treatment of tracheal collapse may improve liver function, as indicated by decreased bile acid levels.