Application of ultrasonography, radiography and clinico-biochemical profile in the diagnosis of hepatic diseases and their clinical management

Two hundred ailing dogs with suspected hepatopathy on history and clinical manifestations were subjected to ultrasonography, radiography and biochemical investigations to confirm hepatic diseases. Ultrasonography confirmed hepato billiary changes in 66 (33 %) cases only. It revealed focal and diffuse lesions in 21 and 45 cases respectively. Sonographically liver abnormalities could be classified as hepatitis/hepatosis, cirrhosis/fibrosis and gall bladder abnormalities as choleliths, cholecystitis, gall bladder distention, gall bladder sludge and mucocele. Hepatomegaly and ascites detected ultrasonographically were also detected by radiography. Blood glucose, total protein, serum albumin, ALT and SAP were of supportive value. Diagnosis of billiary diseases was only possible with the use of sonography, as other tests remained uncommittal. Clinical signs were found vague and nonspecific in the diagnosis of liver diseases and need a battery of tests to confirm. Ultrasonography, a noninvasive tool, seems to have quick diagnostic value at clinics. Therapeutic management of hepatic disorders (hepatitis/hepatosis and cirrhosis/fibrosis) comprised of fluid therapy, nutritional support, hepato-stimulant and hepatoprotective drugs, antiemetics, H₂ blockers, diuretics and antifibrolytic drugs. Recovery rate varied from 60 to 80 % in present cases.