Incidence and Prevalence of Hepatic Affections and Hepatic Space Occupying Lesions in Dogs

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of hepatic affections and hepatic space-occupying lesions in dogs in Central India. Study Design: A prospective clinical study was conducted at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Jabalpur, from June 2025 to November 2025. Dogs presented during this period, irrespective of age, sex and breed, exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of hepatic disorders such as anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, weakness, icterus, ascites, and elevated serum liver enzymes were screened and included in the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh for a six-month period (June–November 2025). Methodology: The dogs were assessed through clinical examination, hematobiochemical profiling, ultrasonography and confirmatory computed tomography. Results: Out of 4973 dogs presented during the study period, 109 dogs were confirmed with hepatic affections, showing a prevalence of 2.19%, while hepatic space-occupying lesions (SOLs) showed a prevalence of 0.30%. Chronic hepatitis was the most common hepatic disorder (44.95%), followed by acute hepatitis (30.28%), hepatic SOLs (13.76%) and hepatobiliary disorders (11.01%). The most frequent clinical signs were anorexia/inappetence (87.16%), lethargy (69.73%) and vomiting (68.81%). Hepatic affections were most commonly observed in adult dogs aged 1–8 years (60.55%), whereas hepatic SOLs were predominantly recorded in geriatric dogs aged >8 years (60%). Male dogs constituted 66.06% of hepatic affection cases, while hepatic SOLs showed no significant sex predisposition. Indian Mongrels (22.01%) and Labrador Retrievers (21.10%) were the most commonly affected breeds, with Labrador Retrievers accounting for 60% of hepatic SOL cases. Hepatic tumors constituted 93.33% of SOLs. Conclusion: Hepatic affections are relatively common in dogs presented to veterinary clinics, with chronic hepatitis being the predominant condition. Hepatic SOLs occur more frequently in geriatric dogs and are mainly neoplastic in nature. Clinical evaluation combined with advanced imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and computed tomography plays an important role in the diagnosis and characterization of hepatic lesions in dogs.