Liver Lobe Torsion in Domestic Animals

Liver lobe torsion is a rare but critical condition characterised by the twisting of a hepatic lobe around its vascular pedicle, resulting in vascular obstruction, ischaemia and necrosis. This phenomenon has been reported across species in the companion animal setting, most notably in rabbits, dogs and felids, and occasionally in exotic and wildlife patients. Clinically, affected animals present with non‐specific signs such as acute abdominal pain, anorexia, lethargy and gastrointestinal stasis, often accompanied by hypovolaemia and anaemia. Rapid diagnosis relies on imaging modalities including ultrasonography and computed tomography, which may reveal absent blood flow, lobe enlargement or hypoechoic regions consistent with infarction. Definitive management generally comprises surgical lobectomy of the torsed segment, with perioperative stabilisation to address shock and coagulopathies. Medical treatment alone may be considered in non‐surgical candidates, though evidence suggests higher rates of long‐term morbidity. Prognosis is variable, depending on timeliness of intervention, the extent of vascular compromise and concurrent sepsis or organ failure. Awareness of species‐specific anatomical predispositions, such as the deep hepatic recesses in lagomorphs, and emerging imaging protocols has enhanced early recognition. Continued interdisciplinary studies in clinical pathology, surgery and diagnostic imaging are extending our understanding of disease mechanisms and optimising therapeutic strategies, with the ultimate goal of improving survival rates and welfare across diverse veterinary populations.

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Liver Lobe Torsion in Domestic Animals publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in liver lobe torsion in domestic animals across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Torsion: Twisting of a bodily structure around its axis, leading to compromised blood supply.

Ischaemia: Restriction of blood flow to tissues, causing oxygen deprivation and potential cell injury.

Infarction: Tissue death resulting from prolonged ischaemia and loss of perfusion.

Lobectomy: Surgical removal of a liver lobe.

References

1. Torsion of the caudate lobe of the liver and concurrent necrohemorrhagic typhlocolitis in a zoo-housed Patagonian mara. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation (2024).
2. Comparison of medical versus surgical management of liver lobe torsion in rabbits. Veterinary Evidence (2024).