Chronic hepatitis in dogs is the term used to describe the inflammation of the liver. Chronic as opposed to acute means this is an on-going problem instead of a sudden onset.
The causes of chronic hepatitis are:
- Infectious disease
- Immune-mediate disease
- Toxins
- Copper-storage disease
- Environmental
- Drugs
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis include:
- Sluggishness
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Excessive urination and excessive thirst
- Yellowish gums
- Fluid build-up in abdomen
- Poor physical condition
- Dullness
- Seizures
A biopsy was performed in ShinBi and it was determined that ShinBi had chronic hepatitis. An X-ray and ultrasound is being performed to determine the condition of ShinBi’s liver.
Treatment may include hospitalization and fluid therapy with B vitamin, potassium and dextrose supplements. This treatment will increase the elimination of fluids while decreasing the build-up of fluids in the abdomen.
As with the heartworm treatment, ShinBi would be put on limited activity.
ShinBi already had problems with excessive urination and thirst. That is also a result of ShinBi’s diabetes.
ShinBi will likely be switched to a sodium-restricted diet with vitamin and mineral supplements and require several small meals a day.
ShinBi: The Collie from South Korea 