Pathological Observations of Cirrhosis in Dog (Canis familaris)

In the present study, a total of 761 dogs were examined for liver lesions irrespective of age, sex and breeds. Out of these, 294 cases (38.63 per cent) livers showing frank macroscopic lesions were collected for histopathological examination. Incidence of cirrhosis recorded was 13.95 per cent of the total affected livers. Various types of cirrhosis were reported as per their microscopic features.

Glissonian Cirrhosis was observed in 9 cases. Grossly, the capsules of the affected livers were thickened. Microscopically, there were fibrosis confined to the areas extending only a short distance beneath the thickened capsule traversing through lobule with infiltration of leucocytes of variable extent. Atrophic or Laennec Cirrhosis was recorded in 5 cases. Grossly, the affected livers were reduced in size, finely granular or nodular, firm, difficult to cut and of variable colour. Microscopically, there were proliferation of the fibrous tissue which were infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells. The normal lobules were replaced by pseudolobules with lack of the central vein and disruption of the normal lobules by proliferating fibrous connective tissue.Biliary Cirrhosis was recorded in 13 cases. Grossly, the livers were smooth, enlarged and of greenish colour. Microscopically, newly formed nonfunctional bile ducts were present. There were infiltration of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes.Cardiac Cirrhosis was observed in 8 cases. Microscopically, there were fibrosis in the centrilobular areas occur due to chronic venous congestion. Fibrous tissue of hepatic venuoles linked with other venuoles in the area of larger portal triad while in other areas, it extended upto periphery of lobule. Nodular Cirrhosis was recorded in 6 cases. Grossly, the livers were of dark brown in colour with a mixed finely and coarsely nodular surface. Microscopically, the liver lesions included hepatocellular rege-neration, bile ductule hyperplasia and fibrosis. The nodules were separated by bands of dense fibrous connective tissue that extended into the parenchyma and sub divided the nodules.