Hydatid Disease

Hydatid disease of the liver is caused by the ingestion of the eggs of a parasite that affects dogs called Eccinococcus Granulosus (a dog tapeworm). The eggs are secreted in the dog faeces, and are much more common in areas where there is lots of sheep farming, such as Wales. While they may cause no symptoms, in the liver they can form large cysts lined with lots of daughter cysts. This may cause the liver to enlarge, causing pain, or their presence may produce jaundice as a result of pressure on the biliary system. Rupture one of the cysts may initiate a severe allergic reaction. Treatment may involve both drugs and surgical removal. Prevention involves good hygiene, and worming the dogs.
 

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