Breed, sex and age distribution in dogs with chronic liver disease: a demographic study

Breed, sex and age distribution were studied in dogs with histopathologically diagnosed chronic (active or progressive) hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in Sweden. The study was based on clinical and histopathological records obtained during three years from a histopathological laboratory and during six years from an animal hospital. Some breeds were significantly (P<0–001) over-represented: American and English cocker spaniels, labrador retrievers and West Highland white terriers. In both spaniel breeds the males were most frequent whereas in the labrador retriever, the females were over represented. In the West Highland white terrier there was no sex difference. The average age at presentation was approximately five years in spaniels and West Highland white terriers and seven years in labrador retrievers. The high incidence of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis in certain breeds indicate that hereditary factors may be of importance in the development of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.