Hepatic T‐cell lymphoma in a dog with chronic hepatitis and presence of Leptospira spp. in hepatic tissue

Abstract

A 7‐year‐old, female, neutered Border collie was referred for investigation of increased liver enzymes, accompanied by mild non‐specific clinical signs. Investigations subsequently revealed the presence of chronic pyogranulomatous hepatitis, copper accumulation and presence of multiplying Leptospira spp. in the liver tissue. Following treatment with doxycycline and D‐penicillamine, the liver parameters and clinical signs improved. However, 9 months after the treatment was initiated, the dog re‐presented for overall deterioration, small intestinal diarrhoea and cough. Investigations were consistent with a hepatic large cell lymphoma. The dog was euthanased shortly after diagnosis, and histopathology of the postmortem samples taken from the liver showed presence of CD3+, CD11d+ T‐cell lymphoma as well as multiplying Leptospira spp. in the tissue.