Sequential Morphologic and Clinicopathologic Alterations in Dogs with Experimentally Induced Glucocorticoid Hepatopathy

In this study, glucocorticoid hepatopathy was experimentally induced in 6 Beagle dogs through daily prednisone injections over 14 days. Significant increases in serum enzyme activities were observed, with alkaline phosphatase peaking at a 64-fold increase by day 20, alanine aminotransferase at a 10-fold increase by day 12, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase at a 23-fold increase by day 29. These levels gradually decreased but remained elevated by day 56. Histopathologic changes included vacuolar changes in hepatocytes and increased glycogen content, with clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as decreased hair growth, appearing by day 7. The study highlighted the rapid onset and persistence of these alterations, providing insights into the diagnosis and prognosis of glucocorticoid hepatopathy.