New test for liver disease in dogs

Vets have developed a blood test that quickly identifies early signs of liver disease in dogs.

It’s hoped the test, based on insights from human patients, could help vets start treatment earlier and save the lives of many dogs.

Current diagnosis is based on biopsies, which are expensive and can lead to complications.

Vets based at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies teamed up with doctors to look at blood levels of a molecule known as mir-122 in 250 dogs. The molecule is found in high levels in people with liver disease.

Dogs with liver disease were also found to have higher levels of mir-122 compared with healthy dogs. The team is to launch a testing kit to help vets worldwide following the study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Prof Richard Mellanby from Edinburgh University, said: “We have found a specific, sensitive and noninvasive way to detect liver damage in dogs. We hope our test will improve outcomes by allowing vets to make rapid diagnosis.”

Dr James Dear, who coled the study, said: “I am delighted the blood test we developed to improve the diagnosis of liver disease in humans can be used to help dogs too.”