Clinical features and hematological and biochemical blood parameters of dogs with hepatobiliary disorders.

Abstract

Background and aim: Hepatobiliary disorders represent a significant clinical concern in canine medicine, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. However, comprehensive data on clinical presentation and hematological and biochemical alterations associated with these disorders in Vietnam remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations and hematobiochemical profiles of dogs diagnosed with hepatobiliary disorders in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Materials and methods: Eighty client-owned dogs diagnosed with hepatobiliary disorders through histopathological confirmation were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical signs, age, breed, and sex were recorded. Hematological indices - including red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet (PLT) count - and biochemical parameters - such as total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), and uric acid - were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Hepatitis was the most prevalent disorder (38.8%), followed by biliary disorders, hepatic lipidosis, neoplastic disorders (each 16.3%), and cirrhosis (12.5%). Vomiting (60.0%), jaundice (57.5%), and diarrhea (48.8%) were among the most frequent clinical signs, with significant variability across disorder types (p < 0.05). A significant variation in PLT counts was observed, with the highest values in hepatic lipidosis cases (p = 0.04). Biochemical analysis revealed marked elevations in total bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT across disorders (p < 0.05), particularly in hepatitis and neoplastic cases. Dogs with cirrhosis exhibited significantly reduced TP and ALB concentrations. Elevated BUN and CREA were also noted in dogs with neoplastic conditions, suggesting concurrent renal involvement.

Conclusion: This study is the first to delineate the clinical and hematobiochemical characteristics of canine hepatobiliary disorders in Vietnam. The findings underscore the diagnostic value of integrating clinical signs with laboratory indices, particularly elevated liver enzymes and hypoalbuminemia, in the identification and differentiation of hepatobiliary conditions. These insights may enhance clinical decision-making and contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes in veterinary hepatology.