Metastasis of bile ductule carcinoma in a cow

An 8-year-old Holstein cow was referred with a history of weight loss, poor milk production, and hyperfibrinoginemia. Laboratory evaluation showed high gamma-glutamyltransferase activity, prolonged sulfobromophthalein clearance half-time, and prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times. Multiple firm nodules with histologic evidence of bile ductule carcinoma were found on exploratory laparotomy and liver biopsy. Pulmonary and lymph node tumor metastases were extensive. Tumor development in this case could not be associated with any of the known contributing factors in ruminants. This case demonstrates the extensive metastatic potential of this tumor and nonspecific signs with which bovine hepatic disease can be manifested.