Hepatomegaly (HMG)

• View:
  Lateral
  
  
  
• Defining characteristics:
  Caudal displacement of the gastric axis, an extension of the liver beyond the costal arch, rounding of lobar margins
  
• Common differential diagnoses:
  False positives (young animals, deformed costal arches, caudal displacement of the diaphragm, deep inspiration, obese animal with oblong abdomens), hepatitis, hepatic lipidosis, hepatotoxicity, venous congestion, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's, hepatic neoplasia
  
  
• Helpful additional data:
  Is there icterus? Is there vomiting? If this is a cat, is it eating? Is the patient PU/PD or a diabetic?
  
• Commonly associated diagnostics:
  Consider *SignalCare MDB, consider abdominal ultrasound if available
  
  
• Commonly associated treatments:
  Based on *SignalCare MDB and clinical signs discuss IV fluid therapy vs outpatient care
  
  
• Commonly associated home care:
  Based on primary

*SignalCare MDB = CBC/Chemistry/Urinalysis/Thoracic ultrasound/Abdominal ultrasound