Experimental model of obstructive jaundice in mongrel dog: study of subsequent pathological changes in liver.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Attempts at creating an experimental model of obstructive jaundice in large animals have been unsuccessful because of frequent fistulization of the ligated bile duct. OBJECTIVES: To produce a model of obstructive jaundice in mongrel dogs and to study subsequent serial pathological changes in the liver. METHODS: Four techniques were evaluated in four dogs to produce obstructive jaundice. After creation of a successful model, subsequent clinical and biochemical outcome and serial pathological changes in the liver were studied in another 14 dogs. RESULTS: Complete extrahepatic biliary dissection produced a model of persistent obstructive jaundice. Serial histological changes included inflammation and edema in the first 14 days followed by lymphocytic infiltration at 28 days. Fibrosis started by day 7 and resulted in architectural distortion by day 21. CONCLUSION: An acute, complete and irreversible model of obstructive jaundice can be produced by extrahepatic biliary tree excision and ligation. Serial pathological changes showed acute inflammation, followed by fibrosis and architectural distortion.