Case Study

Hepatic cyst in a 16 year old FS DSH cat

A 16-year-old FS DSH cat with a long history of hyperthyroidism presented for progressive weight loss, vomiting, partial anorexia, and abdominal distension. Physical examination confirmed these findings and revealed a low body condition score. Blood chemistry profile revealed only a mildly elevated ALT with mildly prolonged PT and mildly prolonged aPTT on the coagulation profile.

A 16-year-old FS DSH cat with a long history of hyperthyroidism presented for progressive weight loss, vomiting, partial anorexia, and abdominal distension. Physical examination confirmed these findings and revealed a low body condition score. Blood chemistry profile revealed only a mildly elevated ALT with mildly prolonged PT and mildly prolonged aPTT on the coagulation profile.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Absence of distal enhancement supports a cellular component within the fluid. Diagnosis: Hepatic cyst/abscess.

Image Interpretation

The sonogram demonstrates a large space-occupying ovoid anechoic hepatic cyst with an echogenic and mildly thickened wall. The cyst is deviating and compressing the gallbladder. After drainage, there is a moderate reduction in cyst size, and tension has reduced the degree of gallbladder deviation and compression. Fluid analysis demonstrated serosanguineous fluid with mixed low-grade inflammation and a 1.020 specific gravity. No cytologic neoplasia was visible. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were negative.

DX

Hepatic cyst with serosanguinous fluid with mixed low-grade inflammation.

Outcome

The patient had not been administered antibiotic prior to the procedure. The patient was lost to follow-up, so return of the cyst could not be assessed.