Post mortem computed tomography as a complementary tool for diagnosing cholangiohepatitis in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

Abstract

A geriatric female giant panda developed grave signs of illness and was diagnosed with suspected hepatobiliary tract obstruction or other severe hepatic disease such as advanced cholangiohepatitis. The giant panda was euthanized and post mortem computed tomography was performed prior to necropsy. Common bile duct obstruction at the major duodenal papilla by a mineral attenuating calculus causing dilatation of common bile and gallbladder with concurrent multiple areas of liver abscess were detected by postmortem computed tomography. These were confirmed with gross necropsy. This is the first case report of common bile duct obstruction by mineral calculus with concurrent severe cholangiohepatitis in a giant panda.