Liver, Congenital Cysts

These occur in all species and are usually an incidental finding

Congenital cysts must be distinguished from parasitic cysts, especially cysticerci

intrahepatic congenital cysts

• possibly derived from embryonic bile ducts
• walls are of connective tissue and lined by a flattened or cuboidal epithelium
• content is clear and serous

serous cysts

• calves, lambs, and foals
• attached to the capsule on the diaphragmatic surface
• unknown origin

multiple cysts

• cats, piglets, and dogs
• derived from bile ducts
• common bile duct is patent and dilated
• there are also polycystic renal anomalies, which may die of renal insufficiency
• jaundice is not usually seen
• livers are often large enough to cause abdominal distension
• large, irregular cysts intercommunicate
• content appears to be normal bile