The Liver
The liver resembles that of the dog in position and lobation. It is divided by deep fissures into left lateral and medial lobes and right medial and lateral major lobes, supplemented by a smaller quadrate lobe and caudate process (Fig.
34.14; see also Fig. 3.51B).The gallbladder is situated between the quadrate and right medial lobes. Apart from its ventral margin, the liver lies under the protection of the ribs (see Fig. 33.9/3); the somewhat larger part is situated to the right of the median plane (Fig. 34.4 and 34.5). The cranial surface is shaped to the diaphragm, and the caudal surface is indented by the stomach and duodenum; other contacts with the pancreas, jejunum, and colon leave less distinct or no impressions.
The two most notable features of the liver of this species are the lack of contact with (and molding by) the right kidney and the very well-developed fibrous tissue framework that prominently outlines the hepatic lobules on the surface and in section (see Fig. 3.52A and B). The latter feature is relevant to the clinician because surgery is required if a biopsy is indicated (aspiration is impossible with so fibrous a tissue) and is also relevant to the producer because it limits the price the consumer can be charged for a not very palatable foodstuff.