Cholangiohepatitis in Dairy Cattle: 13 Cases. (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gomez, D.E.; Doré, E.; Francoz, D.; Desrochers, A.; Pierre, H.; Fecteau, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary internal medicine. Volume 31:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 922
• Page End: 927
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: Cholangitis -- Cholestasis -- Hepatic -- Icterus; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.0896
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-6640

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The signalment, clinicopathologic, bacteriological, histopathological, ultrasonographic characteristics, and the treatment and outcomes of adult cattle with cholangiohepatitis are poorly defined. Animals: Thirteen Holstein cows with cholangiohepatitis. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of cattle admitted to the CHUV and the AVC between 1992 and 2012 and 2000 and 2012, respectively, for cattle older than 3 months of age with a histopathological diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis. Cholangiohepatitis was defined as the presence of portal inflammation surrounding or infiltrating bile ducts, with or without epithelial damage, and extending into the adjacent lobules. Results: At the time of diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis, cows had decreased appetite (n = 7) or were anorectic (n = 6), had fever (n = 5), and had tachycardia (n = 8). Icterus was detected in 5 cows. Yellow discoloration was identified on the skin of the udder (n = 3), conjunctiva (n = 2), and vulva (n = 1). There was leukocytosis (n = 6), neutrophilia (n = 9), and hyperfibrinogenemia (n = 8). Alteration in the serum biochemistry profile included hyperglobulinemia (n = 8), hypoalbuminemia (n = 10), increased activity of GGT (n = 12), AST (n = 8), and ALP (n = 10), and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 10). Histopathological diagnosis included mild, subacute, nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis (n = 4), mild suppurative cholangiohepatitis (n = 4), mild mixed (neutrophilic and lymphocytic) cholangiohepatitis (n = 3), and moderate, chronic, nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis (n = 1). Six cows were discharged from the hospital, and 7 were euthanized. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cholangiohepatitis is a rare condition in adult cattle. Antemortem diagnosis can be challenging because clinical signs are unspecific.