From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-11-04 02:20:24 UTC
Subject: RE: liver cyst?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <33092855.1036376424988.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> I guess I'm trying to figure out what could possibly be the problem with the liver...could it be a cyst or something else? She said if it continues to grow it could burst or cut off the function of the liver. What are signs of liver failure? I can't have the surgery done right now due to some finances (
Dear Valerie:
Due to their relatively bland appearance, many cystadenocarcinomas of the biliary tract of the liver ( a malignant tumor of the liver) may be misinterpreted as liver cysts. However, these tumors will continue to grow if not completely excised, and eventually will replace the balance of the liver tissue. Surgical removal, if left unattended, may not be achievable in late stages.
Liver failure is preceded by not wanting to eat, and small, often loose stools, which may be associated as well with gastric ulcers. In true failure, animals become jaundiced, and blood tests at this time will show that all liver enzymes are highly elevated, with bilirubin being the one that proves that the liver is failing.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM