Ultrasonographic findings in a cow with extra-hepatic cholestasis and cholangitis

This case report describes a 6-year-old Holstein Friesian cow with extrahepatic cholestasis. The most prominent clinical signs were disturbed general condition and behaviour, icterus, yellowish brown urine, and bilirubinuria. An increased concentration of serum bilirubin and an increase in hepatic enzyme activity were the most important laboratory findings. Ultrasonographic examination of the liver and gall bladder revealed severe bile stasis. The intrahepatic bile ducts, the cystic duct, and the gall bladder were severely dilated. Histological examination of a liver biopsy revealed cholestasis, cholangitis, and acute hepatosis. A liver abscess was also found at post mortem examination. It was assumed that cholestasis was caused by the inflammatory products resulting from cholangitis.