GRANULOMATOUS HEPATITIS IN DOGS - 9 CASES (1987-1990)

Granulomatous hepatitis (GH) is an uncommon histopathologic diagnosis in dogs. On the basis of clinical reports, fungal infections appear to be the most common cause of GH in dogs, but many other potential caus es have been identified. The medical records and histopathologic findi ngs for 9 dogs with GH were reviewed to identify additional specific c auses of GH in dogs. Diseases associated with GH included intestinal l ymphangiectasia (n = 2), lymphosarcoma (n = 1), histiocytosis (n = 1), dirofilariasis (n = 1), and histoplasmosis (n = 1). In 1 dog, no othe r disease process was identified. Of the remaining 2 dogs, 1 had concu rrent granulomatous pneumonitis of unknown cause, and the other had pe riportal hepatitis and temporal muscle wasting. All 9 dogs with GH had clinical evidence of liver disease, such as hepatomegaly, icterus, an d ascites, or had high serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotra nsferase activity. Because of the wide variety of potential causes of GH in dogs, an accurate diagnosis should be sought so that appropriate treatment can be chosen and an accurate prognosis given.