HEPATIC ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS IN DOGS WITH CANINE SURPERFICIAL NECROLYTIC DERMATITIS

A unique, "honeycomb" pattern was found on ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver of 5 dogs with canine superficial necrolytic dermatitis (hepatocutaneous syndrome). This pattern consisted of variably-sized, hypoechoic regions measuring 0.5–1.5 cm in diameter surrounded by highly echogenic borders. Histologically, the hypoechoic regions corresponded to distinct regenerative nodules bounded by severely vacuolated (fat-laden) hepatocytes, numerous bile ductules, and a network of reticulin and fine collagen fibers representing remnants of collapsed hepatic lobules. While certain features of the architectural disruption were characteristic of cirrhosis, the lesion lacked the extensive fibrosis and reduced liver size usually associated with chronic cirrhosis. To our knowledge, this hepatic ultrasonographic pattern has only been seen with canine superficial necrolytic dermatitis. Therefore, it appears to be pathognomonic in a dog with questinable skin lesions. A liver biopsy is required to confirm the unique histopathologic features of the hepatopathy found in this syndrome.