Persistent hepatitis and chronic fibrosis induced by canine acidophil cell hepatitis virus
Jarrett, W.F.; O'Neil, B.W.; Lindholm, I.
Veterinary Record 120(10): 234-235
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3576923 Document Number: 294033
Two dogs which had received liver homogenate and serum from separate donor sources of "acidophil-cell hepatitis" were bled thrice weekly for four months and once weekly for 13 months. The main indication of persistence of hepatitis was the maintenance of increased alanine aminotransferase activity until the dogs were killed 17 months after infection; there were episodes of pyrexia lasting several weeks, unrelated to the raised enzyme concentrations. Lesions were found only in the liver, which was smaller than normal, with accentuated portal tracts and trabeculae, and fibriosis extending between portal triads and hepatic veins. There were areas of dilated venules and lymphatics and scattered acidophil cells with necrobiosis around the limiting plates. There was little sustained inflammation. Crystalloid eosinophilic inclusions, formed of packed protein, may be related to viral replication. The agent causes most cases of hepatic failure seen at this hospital.