Disorder - Cystic liver

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Polycystic kidney disease

Alternative Names
Polycystic liver disease; Hepatic cysts; Liver cysts

Presenting Signs

Cysts are thin-walled structures filled with fluid. Hepatic cysts are located within the tissue of the liver and extending from the liver’s surface, and probably originate from the bile ducts. Some cats do not show any signs associated with their cystic livers, and the cysts may be found accidentally when the cat is being examined for an unrelated condition. Some cats with liver cysts show signs of liver dysfunction. Cats with very large cysts on their livers may have swollen abdomens due to the large amount of space taken up by the cyst, or may present to the vet with vomiting and jaundice (yellow discolouration of the gums and eyes).

Treatment

Surgical: cats that are not affected by the cysts do not require treatment. Cats with associated liver disease or who have very swollen abdomens may require surgical removal of the affected part of the liver.

PubMed References
Cystic liver

Contributor
Kathryn Ingram