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==Description==
==Description==
The biliary tract comprises the [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]], hepatic duct, common bile duct and the duodenal papillae onto which it opens. If any part of this tract is obstructed, the normal flow of [[Bile Formation|bile]] is interrupted resulting in [[Cholestasis - Molecular Pathogenesis|cholestasis]] and [[Icterus|post-hepatic jaundice]]. If the obstruction is not relieved, the biliary tract may [[Biliary Tract - Rupture|rupture]] to produce a chemical [[Peritonitis|bile peritonitis]].
The biliary tract comprises the [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]], hepatic duct, common bile duct and the duodenal papillae onto which it opens. If any part of this tract is obstructed, the normal flow of [[Bile Formation|bile]] is interrupted resulting in [[Cholestasis, Molecular Pathogenesis|cholestasis]] and [[Icterus|post-hepatic jaundice]]. If the obstruction is not relieved, the biliary tract may [[Biliary Tract - Rupture|rupture]] to produce a chemical [[Peritonitis|bile peritonitis]].
The causes of biliary tract obstruction may be '''intraluminal''' or '''extraluminal''':
The causes of biliary tract obstruction may be '''intraluminal''' or '''extraluminal''':
Animals suffering from extra-hepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) are often profoundly unwell. The reduced flow of bile salts into the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract allows GI bacteria to proliferate and eventually translocate across the intestinal wall. In addition, biliary stasis reduces the function of Kupffer cells within the liver, reducing their ability to remove and neutralise translocated bacteria from the portal blood. These animals should be stabilised adequately before any surgical repair is attempted.
Animals suffering from extra-hepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) are often profoundly unwell. The reduced flow of bile salts into the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract allows GI bacteria to proliferate and eventually translocate across the intestinal wall. In addition, biliary stasis reduces the function of Kupffer cells within the liver, reducing their ability to remove and neutralise translocated bacteria from the portal blood. These animals should be stabilised adequately before any surgical repair is attempted.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==