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Extrahepatic biliary atresia in a border collie
C Schulze1, J Rothuizen, F J van Sluijs
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|March 14, 2000
Summary
A Border Collie with rickets due to bile duct atresia improved after surgery but later died from parasitic invasion of the bile ducts. This case highlights rare extrahepatic biliary atresia in dogs and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Extrahepatic biliary atresia is a rare congenital condition causing cholestasis in humans.
- This case presents the first description of extrahepatic biliary atresia in a canine patient.
Observation:
- A 17-week-old Border Collie exhibited progressive lameness and leg pain, diagnosed as rickets secondary to extrahepatic cholestasis.
- Initial treatment involved parenteral vitamin D and a cholecystoduodenostomy, leading to temporary resolution of clinical signs.
Findings:
- Postmortem examination revealed Toxocara canis nematodes invading the biliary system through the surgical anastomosis, causing biliary and hepatic toxocariasis.
- The primary cause of cholestasis was atresia of the common bile duct at the hepatic end.
- Microscopic liver lesions indicated chronic cholestasis and acute inflammation due to nematode invasion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rarity of extrahepatic biliary atresia in canines.
- It highlights the potential for parasitic complications following biliary surgery, even in cases of congenital biliary anomalies.
- The findings emphasize the importance of considering parasitic infections in post-surgical complications in veterinary medicine.