Etiology:  Cysts may develop as a result of developmental defects (in the liver) or from dilations of the lymphatic system (in GI and reproductive organs, adrenal glands, kidney).  These cysts are an incidental finding at necropsy [1].

Incidence:  Incidence of polycystic disease is common: Over 76% of hamsters over one year of age have cysts.

Clinical Signs:  Some animals may have abdominal distension.

Pathology:  Grossly, cysts are variable in size.  Histologically, the cysts have thin walls and are filled with a clear, watery fluid.

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis is made by histopathology.

1.            Laboratory Animal Medicine. 2 ed. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Series2002, 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, California, 92101: Academic Press.