Page 134 - Clinical Manual of Small Animal Endosurgery

122 Clinical Manual of Small Animal Endosurgery

Fig. 4.14 Typical laparoscopic appearance of chronic canine hepatitis. The
liver is mottled, sometimes described as having the appearance of sliced
nutmeg. One biopsy has already been taken and the forceps are about to
collect a second.

Fig. 4.15 Typical laparoscopic appearance of canine cirrhosis. The liver is
pale and the surface nodular.
Examples of laparoscopic appearances of liver disease or abnormali-
ties are seen in Figs 4.14–4.18; however, histology is essential to confirm
the diagnosis.

The pancreas
Laparoscopy is also useful for evaluating the pancreas and differentiating
pancreatitis from other extrahepatic biliary disease. This is particularly
true in cases of chronic recurring pancreatitis with secondary biliary
tract involvement. When pancreatic and liver evaluation and biopsy are