Liver, Hydropic Degeneration

• 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