Chronic Hepatitis in the Dog: More Common Than You May Think

Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences LLC

Is chronic hepatitis the missing piece in your diagnosis? Watch this video for key takeaways from an expert-led webinar on how to identify and manage this surprisingly common liver condition in dogs—and find out how to earn an hour of CE!

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Transcript

Chronic hepatitis in dogs may be more common than you might think—and it’s often underdiagnosed. Chronic hepatitis in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, with idiopathic inflammation and copper accumulation being the most common. Fortunately, early identification and targeted intervention can significantly improve outcomes. That’s why a deeper understanding of diagnosis and management is so important for veterinary teams.

In a recent Clinician’s Brief Partner Webinar, Dr. David Twedt—a co-author of the ACVIM consensus statement on canine chronic hepatopathy—joined us to share practical, clinical guidance aimed at boosting confidence in managing this often-overlooked disease. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Chronic hepatitis typically affects dogs between 4 and 11 years of age and is more commonly seen in females.

• Always search for an underlying cause, when feasible. Whether copper, infectious, or otherwise, identifying etiology helps guide treatment.

• While diet can be critical in managing the chronic hepatitis patient, don’t assume every patient needs protein restriction. Protein restriction isn’t needed in most patients with liver disease.

• Consider your immunosuppressants carefully. Corticosteroids remain a mainstay, but cyclosporine may be a valuable alternative in steroid-intolerant patients.

• Strategically supporting the liver can go a long way. Agents like SAMe, silybin, vitamin E, and ursodiol can play an important role—but knowing when and how to use them is key.

Ready to learn more? Watch the full, free, CE session, Chronic Hepatitis in the Dog: More Common Than You May Think, brought to you by Nutramax for practical, evidence-based insights from Dr. Twedt.

Watch the webinar on-demand here!