Research Article Open Access

Anatomical variations related to the extrahepatic biliary system in Canis lupus familiaris

Abstract

Objective: Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) may exhibit anatomical variations of the extrahepatic biliary system (hepatic ducts, cystic duct, and common bile duct). These anatomical variations directly impact the choice of surgical technique for managing pre-existing pathology in the canine extrahepatic biliary system. This study aimed to detail the anatomical features of the extrahepatic conformation and hepatic duct branches, focusing on determining an average size for the cystic duct (D-cis) across samples. 

Methodology: Forty-one livers from mixed-breed dogs, over 12 months of age and weighing between 5 kg and 30 kg, with no history of hepatic injury, euthanized or deceased naturally, were analyzed. Measurements of length and width (cm) of the gallbladder (Vb), cystic duct, common bile duct (D-Com), and biliary tree lobar patterns were collected. Radiopaque dye was injected followed by a corrosion casting technique to enable both radiographic and macroscopic visualization of the biliary tree structures. 

Results: Different anatomical conformations and sizes of the D-cis, D-Com, and Vb were observed, with a linear relationship between body weight and D-cis length.

Conclusion: This study is the first to define an average size of the cystic duct in dogs, allowing for its estimation based on the animal’s weight.

Ariane de Oliveira Troguilho¹, Fernando Wiecheteck de Souza³, Giancarlo Riger3, Hayane Ramires dos Santos Souza1, Fernando Mateus Fappi3, Alanis Carolina Arias3, Luis Felipe de Sousa Lima¹, Anna Julia Brandão Paes de Barros¹, Alison Ferreira¹,Roberto Lopes de Souza1,2*

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