Pseudocarcinomatous Biliary Hyperplasia in two Green Iguanas, Iguana iguana

Abstract

Pseudocarcinomatous biliary hyperplasia was documented in two green iguanas, Iguana iguana. The first case was a 6-yr-old female who presented with a 5-day history of anorexia. A right mid-coelomic mass was palpated and visualized on radiographs. Exploratory celiotomy was performed during which a wedge liver biopsy was obtained. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy revealed numerous bile ductules and the absence of hepatocytes. A diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was made. The animal was treated with enrofloxacin and lactulose and she gradually improved over the next 6 mo. Six years later, the animal presented in end-stage renal failure and was euthanized. Histologic examination of the liver at the time of death revealed hyperplastic hepatic parenchyma. Due to an overall decrease in liver size, lack of metastasis, and histologic appearance at necropsy, the diagnosis was changed to chronic pseudocarcinomatous biliary hyperplasia with fibrosis and focal regenerative nodular hyperplasia.