Hepatic lobe torsion in 3 dogs and a cat.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features of hepatic lobe torsions in 3 dogs and 1 cat.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

ANIMALS: Three client-owned dogs and 1 client-owned cat.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed, and information regarding signalment, clinical signs, physical-exam findings, diagnostic tests performed, treatment, outcome, and follow-up was retrieved.

RESULTS

Clinical signs existed for 4 hours to 1 week before examination. Signs were nonspecific in 2 animals that did not have an obvious cause for the hepatic torsion. These signs consisted of lethargy (2), polyuria/polydypsia (2), and anorexia (1). In the other 2 animals, signs were suggestive of the underlying cause of the hepatic lobe torsion. In 1 dog, the torsion was associated with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The cat had a concurrent hemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma. Bloodwork abnormalities were nonspecific. Twisted liver lobes included the left lateral lobe (2), the caudate lobe (1), and the right medial lobe (1). Surgical resection (2) or repositioning (1) of the affected liver lobe was attempted in the 3 dogs, and was successful in 2.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic lobe torsion is a rare problem but has been reported in humans, rabbits, dogs, pigs, a cat, and a horse. The left lateral liver lobe is most frequently affected. This condition may be idiopathic or associated with neoplasia or absence of ligamentous support (congenital or traumatic) to the liver.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prompt surgical resection or repositioning of the involved liver lobe can lead to a successful outcome, avoiding the deleterious effects of venous obstruction such as thrombosis and subsequent necrosis.