HEPATIC-ABSCESSES IN DOGS

Hepatic abscesses, although uncommon, are potentially life-threatening in dogs. The abscesses usually are associated with extrahepatic infec tion and sepsis or with preexisting regional hepatic injury. Diagnosis of hepatic abscesses often is difficult: physical, hematologic, bioch emical, and radiographic findings are supportive but nonspecific. Abdo minal ultrasonography is the most useful noninvasive technique for the identification of hepatic abscesses in dogs. Successful treatment dep ends on prompt recognition of the abscesses, surgical removal of infec ted tissue, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and management of under lying disease processes.