Non-Invasive Paraclinical Diagnosis of Hepatocutaneous Syndrome in a Dog

Abstract

A 14-year-old, female spayed Bichon Maltese with no other known previous pathologies was presented for dermatological examination after being referred from a private clinic with the suspicion of generalized, treatment-resistant demodicosis. Upon presentation and clinical examination, multiple deep skin scrapings were performed, returning negative parasitological results. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry revealed mild hepatic damage. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an abnormal echostructure of the liver displaying a honeycomb or Swiss cheese-like pattern, reported as pathognomonic for hepatocutaneous syndrome. The owner declined any further paraclinical examination, including skin biopsy and histopathological examination, requesting a treatment protocol that could be pursued at home, considering the age of the dog and its reactive behavior during the examination. The present case report highlights a non-invasive method of diagnosing the hepatocutaneous syndrome in a dog by clinical examination, routine blood testing, and ultrasound assessment of the abdomen, in the absence of the possibility of doing a histopathological diagnosis.