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

In this 1981 study, glucocorticoid hepatopathy was experimentally induced in 6 Beagle dogs through daily prednisone injections over 14 days. Significant increases in serum enzyme activities, such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, were observed, with peak levels occurring between days 12 and 29, followed by gradual decreases. Histopathologic changes included vacuolar alterations in hepatocytes and increased glycogen content, which persisted throughout the study. Clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as decreased hair growth and increased appetite, appeared by day 7. By day 56, necropsies showed liver changes and adrenal gland atrophy. The study highlighted the rapid onset and lasting nature of these alterations, providing insights for diagnosing and managing glucocorticoid hepatopathy.