Multiple Persistent Vitelline Duct Cysts in a Dog

Abstract

Persistent vitelline duct remnants, with the exception of Meckel's diverticulum in pigs and horses, are rare in animals. During an ovariohysterectomy of an 8-month-old Labrador Retriever, multiple fibrous nodules with cystic centers were found attached to the ileal serosa and in a mesodiverticular band attached to the abdominal wall. Histologic and ultrastructural evaluation revealed that the cysts were composed of well-differentiated intestine with mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis layers surrounded by a thick layer of fibrous connective tissue. The morphology and arrangement of lesions were consistent with multiple persistent vitelline duct cysts, a distinct condition related to Meckel's diverticulum. This case in a dog represents a unique presentation of this congenital anomaly in domestic animals.

Imaging Diagnosis—duodenal Diverticulum in a Dog

“…Only two examples of persistent vitelline duct cysts that did not communicate with the intestinal lumen have been reported in animals; one in a dog and one in a cat. 11,12 There is one example of Meckel's diverticulum that communicated with the intestinal lumen in a dog. 13 Meckel's diverticulum is found normally in most domestic chickens and geese.…”

Persistent vitelline duct cyst in a pony

“…The gross and histopathological findings in this case were consistent with a diagnosis of a persistent vitelline duct cyst. The microscopic appearance of the cyst wall was almost identical to that of the canine case (Frazier et al 1998), with the exception of the presence of lymphoid cells and eosinophils within the lamina propria. This may indicate immune stimulation of the cyst wall.…”

“…Vitelline duct cysts form when the middle section of the vitelline duct fails to regress. Such cysts have been reported in an 8-month-old dog (Frazier et al 1998) as an incidental finding during routine ovariohisterectomy and in a cat with a history of fluctuating abdominal distension (Basher and Appleby 1982). In the dog, there were multiple cystic structures attached to the wall of the distal small intestine, extending along a broad mesenteric band to the attachment on the ventral body wall.…”

“…This anomaly has additionally been reported in pigs and, less commonly, in cattle. In the pig, it is usually found as a patent tube running parallel to the ileum (Frazier et al 1998).…”

“…Other vitelline duct anomalies documented in various species include persistent vitellointestinal duct in a calf, dog, cat and human being (Basher and Appleby 1982;Moore 1996;Strachan et al 1997;Frazier et al 1998). In man, various combinations have been described, ranging from a completely patent duct through to an omphalomesenteric cord.…”