Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2012
Idiopathic hepatic veno-occlusive disease causing Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in a cat
T A Cave1, H Martineau, A Dickie
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School.
Insights
Budd-Chiari-like syndrome (BCLS) in a cat was diagnosed via liver biopsy showing perivenular fibrosis. This rare condition, marked by portal hypertension and ascites, had an unknown cause in this feline case.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hepatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Budd-Chiari-like syndrome (BCLS) is a rare condition characterized by hepatic vein obstruction, leading to portal hypertension and ascites.
- While documented in humans, BCLS is infrequently reported in veterinary literature.
Observation:
- This report details a case of BCLS in a domestic cat presenting with clinical signs of portal hypertension and ascites.
- Diagnostic imaging and clinical findings were consistent with obstruction at the hepatic vein level.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the liver revealed perivenular fibrosis surrounding central and sublobular veins.
- These microscopic lesions are comparable to those observed in human BCLS cases.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for BCLS in felines, presenting similar pathological features to human counterparts.
- The unknown etiology in this feline case warrants further investigation into potential causes of hepatic vein obstruction in cats.
Abstract:
Budd-Chiari-like syndrome (BCLS) is a rare clinical entity characterised by portal hypertension and ascites. This report describes a case of BCLS in a cat due to obstruction at the level of the hepatic veins. The diagnosis was based on the clinical findings and a histopathological assessment of the liver demonstrating perivenular fibrosis around the central and sublobular veins. Although these lesions are similar to those observed in man with BCLS, the aetiology in this case remains unknown.
