Surgical approach to a biliary tract cyst in an elderly cat.

Abstract

Choledochal cyst or biliary tract cyst is a pathological condition characterized by abnormal dilation of the hepatobiliary system. In veterinary medicine, case descriptions and histological characterizations of this biliary malformation are scarce, requiring reliance on data from human medicine. A presumptive diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, with histopathological examination required for confirmation. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the cyst and restore normal biliary function. A 15-year-old mixed-breed domestic female cat presented with vomiting and anorexia. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a dilation adjacent to the caudal aspect of the gallbladder. The patient underwent surgical intervention, during which a sacculation in the cystic duct region was identified and completely excised. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnostic suspicion of a biliary tract cyst. Despite the limited veterinary literature, the success of the surgical intervention, involving complete cyst removal, was evident. The patient remains stable and fully recovered twelve months post-surgery.