Prevalencia sugerente de hiperplasia nodular hepática por medio de ultrasonografía en perros gerontes atendidos en una clínica veterinaria de la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Hepatic nodular hyperplasia (HNH) is a benign, age-related lesion in dogs, characterized by the formation of nodules within the hepatic parenchyma. Its ultrasonographic appearance may mimic neoplastic processes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ultrasound findings compatible with HNH in geriatric dogs treated at the Dr. Pet veterinary clinic, as well as to characterize the cases according to demographic factors, management practices, and clinical signs. A total of 116 dogs aged seven years or older were evaluated via ultrasonography, recording findings consistent with HNH and their relationship with the variables under study. The estimated prevalence of findings suggestive of HNH was 6.90 % (8/116). Among the identified cases, both sexes showed a frequency of 3.45 %, purebred dogs predominated with 4.31 %, while small- and medium-sized dogs each accounted for 2.59 %. A body condition score of 3 exhibited the highest frequency at 3.45 %, and reproductive status showed a similar distribution. Regarding management, mixed-feeding predominated with 4.31 %, as did frequent veterinary care with 4.31 %. No statistically significant association was observed between ultrasound findings compatible with HNH and the evaluated clinical signs (p > 0.05). It is concluded that these findings occurred at a low frequency and were mainly incidental in the dogs assessed. Since ultrasonography alone does not confirm the diagnosis, complementary evaluation with confirmatory histopathology is recommended when clinically indicated, along with periodic follow-up, in order to establish a definitive diagnosis and rule out associated neoplastic processes.