Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 2, 2025
Pages 305-315
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0230
Hepatic-induced Ascites in a Caucasian Shepherd Dog Following Chronic Paracetamol intoxication: A Case Report
Victor Eyikojonwa Amedu1*, Khalid Talha Biobaku2 and Monday Onakpa3
1Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria, Medicine Faculty – Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology Specialty.
2Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
3Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
A 4-year-old intact male Caucasian Shepherd dog (45 kg) was presented with progressive abdominal distension, icterus and lethargy after three weeks of owner-administered human paracetamol (1000 mg BID). Clinical examination and imaging confirmed severe ascites with sonographic features of chronic hepatocellular injury and portal hypertension. Laboratory tests demonstrated marked hepatocellular enzyme elevation, hypoalbuminaemia and thrombocytopenia consistent with hepatic dysfunction. The dog received prompt antidotal and supportive therapy including intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) protocol, oral silymarin, diuretics (furosemide + spironolactone), vitamin K1 and a hepatic support diet. Clinical and biochemical improvement were observed within 5–10 days and ascites resolved progressively. This report emphasises the risk of repeated over-the-counter paracetamol use in dogs, outlines practical pharmacologic management of paracetamol-induced hepatic injury and ascites, and highlights owner education and regulatory measures to prevent iatrogenic toxicities.
Keywords: Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Dog, Hepatotoxicity, Ascites, N-acetylcysteine, Caucasian
Shepherd.