Early Diagnosis of Hepatorenal Syndrome in a Dog: A Clinical and Biochemical Investigation

Chetna Mahajan

Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal sciences University, Punjab-141004, India.

Jasleen Kaur

Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal sciences University, Punjab-141004, India.

Tanmay Mondal *

Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal sciences University, Punjab-141004, India.

Harneet Kour

Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal sciences University, Punjab-141004, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of advanced hepatic dysfunction characterized by functional renal failure in the absence of intrinsic renal pathology. Although well recognized in human medicine, HRS remains underdiagnosed in veterinary patients. This case report describes the early diagnosis of HRS in a 2-year-old male German Shepherd Dog presented with a two-day history of gastrointestinal disturbances. Comprehensive clinical evaluation and biochemical profiling revealed marked elevations in hepatic enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, severe azotemia, hypoalbuminemia, and significant electrolyte imbalances, indicating advanced hepatic dysfunction with secondary renal involvement. The patient was managed using a multimodal therapeutic approach, including balanced crystalloid fluid therapy with careful monitoring, gastroprotective and antiemetic medications, diuretic support, phosphate binding agents, and targeted renal and hepatoprotective therapy comprising silybin, S-adenosylmethionine, ursodeoxycholic acid, and antioxidant supplementation, alongside dietary modification. Following initiation of therapy, the patient showed clinical stabilization and partial biochemical improvement, although the overall prognosis was considered protected due to the severity of hepatorenal involvement. This report highlights the importance of early recognition, comprehensive biochemical assessment, and an integrated therapeutic strategy in the management of canine HRS, which may aid in stabilizing affected patients and improving short-term outcomes in this often-lethal condition.

Keywords: Hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, azotemia, liver enzymes, canine, biochemistry


How to Cite

Mahajan, Chetna, Jasleen Kaur, Tanmay Mondal, and Harneet Kour. 2026. “Early Diagnosis of Hepatorenal Syndrome in a Dog: A Clinical and Biochemical Investigation”. Journal of Biology and Nature 18 (1):121-26. https://doi.org/10.56557/joban/2026/v18i110215.

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