Burmese Cat

　　Cysts of varying sizes develop singly or multiply in the liver, usually accompanied by compressive atrophy of the hepatic parenchyma.

　　【Causes】

　　1. Congenital: Congenital bile duct defects lead to liver cysts, often accompanied by kidney cysts. The cyst fluid is usually clear, watery, and contains almost no bile components.

　　2. Acquired: Caused by parasites, trauma, biliary atresia, tumors, etc.

　　【Symptoms】There are almost no clinical symptoms and changes are mostly found during necropsy.

　　1. Progressive abdominal distension and ascites.

　　2. If the cyst is too large, it will compress the stomach, diaphragm, or intestinal tissue, causing corresponding symptoms (dyspnea, loss of appetite, etc.).

　　【Diagnosis】

　　1. Palpation or X-ray examination reveals liver enlargement.

　　2. Ultrasound detects localized liquid areas within the liver (Figure 42-1).

　　3. Exploratory laparotomy.

　　【Treatment】Cyst or affected liver lobe surgical removal can be performed; however, most cases are benign and progress very slowly. For older cats, detailed understanding of the disease course is vital, and surgery is not needed before clinical symptoms appear.(Source：PetsZone)