Recurrent liver abscessation in a dog with an incompletely resected hepatocellular adenoma

Abstract

A 10-year-old, male, neutered, mixed breed dog was diagnosed with septic peritonitis secondary to a liver abscess. Left lateral and medial liver lobectomies were performed and histopathology revealed an incompletely excised hepatocellular adenoma with multifocal septic, suppurative (neutrophilic) inflammation. Eight months later, the dog was presented again and was found to have septic peritonitis. Computed tomography showed recurrent right hepatic abscessation. Abdominal explore and right medial liver lobectomy were performed. Following surgery, disseminated intravascular coagulation was suspected, the patient declined in neurologic and respiratory status. The owner elected humane euthanasia. Postmortem examination showed locally extensive pyogranulomatous hepatitis with necrosis and intralesional rod bacteria, and recurrent hepatocellular adenoma. This case represents recurrence of hepatic abscessation in a dog, 8 months after the first liver lobectomy. This case report highlights clinical findings associated with septic peritonitis secondary to hepatic abscessation and discusses diagnostic and treatment options explored in veterinary and human medicine.