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==Introduction==
+Cirrhosis represents an “end-stage liver” - the final, irreversible result of diffuse hepatic disease, involving architectural disruption of the entire liver. Underlying chronic injury leads to loss of hepatic tissue with replacement [[Liver Fibrosis|fibrosis]]. Nodular regeneration occurs within regions of hepatic tissue in between fibrous tissue bands, giving rise to the characteristic multinodular gross appearance of this condition.
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+The three characteristic microscopic features of cirrhosis are:
+*Nodular regeneration
+*[[Liver Fibrosis|Fibrosis]]
+*Bile duct hyperplasia
+
+'''Bile duct hyperplasia''' around portal regions is a non-specific response to a variety of long-standing hepatic insults, but occurs especially in association with diseases that [[Biliary Tract - Obstruction|obstruct bile drainage]].
+
+'''Vascular abnormalities''' are also associated with cirrhosis. Anastomoses occur between the hepatic portal vein and systemic vasculature due to increased portal pressure. Additionally, [[Portosystemic Shunt|vascular shunts]] can result within regenerative nodules, either between central and portal veins, or between hepatic arteries and central veins.
+
+==Causes of Cirrhosis==
+Some of the many possible causes of cirrhosis in animals include:
+*Chronic [[Heart Failure, Right-Sided|right sided heart failure]]
+*[[Hepatitis, Chronic|Chronic hepatitis]]
+**[[Hepatitis, Lobular Dissecting|Lobular dissecting hepatitis in dogs]]
+**Hepatitis due to [[Infectious Canine Hepatitis|infectious canine hepatitis virus]]
+*Chronic [[cholangitis]] or [[Biliary Tract - Obstruction|bile duct obstruction]]
+*Chronic toxicity
+**[[Ragwort Toxicity|Pyrrolizidine alkaloid plants]] in herbivores
+**[[Primidone]] anticonvulsants in dogs
+*Inherited diseases of metal metabolism
+**[[Copper]] (Dalmatians, Bedlington terriers, West Highland white terriers)
+**[[Iron]] metabolism
+
+Cirrhosis is usually the end result of multiple pathological processes, in particular cell death and active inflammation with fibrosis. Regardless of the original underlying aetiology, however, the end-stage liver can no longer perform its functions, and is therefore associated with clinical manifestations of [[Liver Failure|hepatic failure]].
+
+==References ==
+Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V.P. (1999)''' Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary''' (2nd Edition), ''Elsevier Science''.
+
+Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E.C. (2000) '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat''' Volume 2 (Fifth Edition), ''W.B. Saunders Company''.
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+Maxie, M.G. (2007) '''Pathology of Domestic Animals Volume''' 2 (Fifth Edition), ''Elsevier Saunders''.
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+McGavin, M.D. and Zachary, J.F. (2007) '''Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease''' (Fourth Edition),'' Elsevier Mosby.''
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+Smyth, B (2008) '''Alimentary System Study Guide''''', Royal Veterinary College''.
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*a term often used for fibrotic lesions, especially widespread fibrosis
*a term often used for fibrotic lesions, especially widespread fibrosis
*it is an end stage liver with poor functional ability
*it is an end stage liver with poor functional ability
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*ascites
*ascites
**common finding
**common finding
−**other factors are involved: lowered plasma albumin, causing lowered colloid osmotic pressure[[Category:Liver_-_General_Pathology]]
+**other factors are involved: lowered plasma albumin, causing lowered colloid osmotic pressure
−[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]
+[[Category:Liver_-_General_Pathology]]
+[[Category:Nicola Parry reviewing]]