Verification and Clinical and Diagnostic Features of Hepatopathies in Dogs and Cats

Research Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of age, sex, and seasonal patterns in the occurrence of hepatopathies in dogs and cats, as well as to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of primary research methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed based on the analysis of 140 clinical cases (70 dogs and 70 cats) with verified liver diseases, selected according to clear inclusion/exclusion criteria. The diagnostic algorithm included history taking, clinical examination, blood biochemical analysis, ultrasound and radiographic studies, and in complex cases, morphological verification. Data were systematized by species, nosology, age, sex, and season of diagnosis using descriptive statistics methods. An age-related predisposition to hepatopathies was established in middle-aged and older animals (peak in the 3–6 and 6–9 years groups). A seasonal pattern was revealed: in dogs, the incidence increases in spring and early summer; in cats, in spring and autumn. Sex predisposition was less pronounced; however, the risk of developing liver pathologies was somewhat higher in females of both species, especially cats. Among |diagnostic methods, blood biochemical analysis demonstrated the highest screening efficacy and informativeness. The obtained data confirm the presence of statistically significant age and seasonal patterns in the occurrence of hepatopathies in small domestic animals. The results emphasize the importance of considering these factors in clinical practice to increase alertness and optimize the diagnostic search. Based on the identified patterns, the development of algorithmic software to support decision-making at the primary diagnostic stage is planned.