A new transmissible agent causing acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in dogs
Jarrett, W.F.; O'Neil, B.W.
Veterinary Record 116(24): 629-635
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4024428 Document Number: 248800
There is a hepatitis of dogs which occurs in acute, persistent and chronic forms. Specimens have been received from all parts of Britain and the disease appears to be widespread. Histological studies suggested that several apparently diverse hepatic diseases might be stages of one process. This was also implied by follow-up studies and case histories: acute non-lethal episodes were followed later by the development of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Serum was taken and bacteriologically sterile homogenates of liver were made from three field cases representing different putative temporal stages of the complex. These were injected into experimental dogs and a hepatitis was induced in all. The cytopathological and histological changes were the same in all animals and were identical to field cases. Acute lethal disease and persistent infections were produced. Two second passages were carried out and an identical condition was induced, characterized by recurrent episodes of subclinical hepatitis and persistent infection. It is suggested that the disease might be named canine acidophil cell hepatitis in view of the pathognomonic cytopathology. Specific morphological criteria have been established for this hepatitis.