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