Severe cholestatic liver disease secondary to liver fluke (Platynosomum concinnum) infection in three cats

Abstract

Three middle-aged domestic cats were presented for vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and jaundice. Complete blood counts, serum biochemical profiles, and abdominal ultrasounds were suggestive of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in all of the cats. Infection with the liver fluke Platynosomum concinnum was confirmed by intraoperative bile cytology in three cases and by histopathology in two cases. All three cats were euthanized in the postoperative period because of complications. These cases illustrate the severity of signs and complications that can occur with liver fluke infection in cats.