Prevalence of canine hepatopathy among a clinic population fed commercial dry food: Age and Dietary factors influence the disease prevalence

Abstract

Abstract Background: The quality of pet food and feed management can have a pivotal role in the healthy status and the prevention of diseases in animals. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of hepatopathy in dogs based on the liver enzyme profile and the association between liver enzyme alterations with diet. Results: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study. We analyzed the history and medical records of all dogs fed commercial dry food presented at a veterinary hospital. A complete physical examination, laboratory survey, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on each subject. 720 dogs were included in this study. The patients consisted of 385 male dogs (53.5%) and 335 female dogs (46.5%) and the mean age ± SE was 5.92 ± 0.18 years (range, 1 to 17). The overall prevalence of hepatopathy in all dogs fed commercial dry food was 23.8%, 8.3%, and 3.7% based on the mild, moderate, and marked liver enzyme activity elevation (ALT and/or GGT), respectively and statistical analysis exhibited that the factors significantly related to hepatopathy were increasing age and diet type. A significant relationship was observed between age and ALT (Odd ratio: 1.121, CI: 1.064-1.181) and GGT (Odd ratio: 1.056, CI: 1.008-1.105). There was a significant relationship between commercial food brands and some biochemical factors including ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, Chol, and total bilirubin. Conclusion: In summary, our findings suggest that hepatopathy in dogs appears to be more common than previously thought, and aging and type of diet are risk factors for liver disease in dogs. Therefore, using good-quality diets will likely play an essential role in preventing liver disorders in dogs.