- a general histopathological finding in which cells absorb much water, indicating ischaemic or toxic injury or early autolysis
- common and non-specific
causes
1. anoxia
2. mild toxins
3. sustained bile stasis
4. excess glucocorticoids in the body
- glucose is normally stored within hepatocytes as glycogen
- excess glycogen within hepatocytes causes mild swelling and gives a focal hydropic appearance in areas of the liver
- usually no change grossly - possible lightening of colour if pronounced and widespread
endogenous causes
- Hyperadrenocortism (Cushing's syndrome)
- functional pituitary or adrenocortical tumours
- Diabetes mellitus [link to DM page]
exogenous causes
- iatrogenic
- most common cause in the dog
- due to prolonged use of steroid therapy eg skin disease