Dorsal border

The dorsal border of the liver refers to the uppermost aspect of the liver when the animal is in anatomical position generally adjacent to the diaphragm and vertebral column.

Species-Specific Anatomy

• Dog and Cat: In carnivores, the dorsal border of the liver is relatively straight and located close to the diaphragm. It lies approximately from the 7th to 13th ribs on the right side. The caudal vena cava passes dorsally through a groove (the caval sulcus) on the liver's dorsal aspect, making it a significant landmark. The liver is also related dorsally to the esophagus and the stomach's cardia.

• Horse: In the horse, the liver is entirely on the right side of the median plane, with its dorsal border lying under the last few ribs (approximately the 7th to 15th ribs). The dorsal border includes the area of the caudate process, which is in contact with the right kidney (renal impression). The contact with the diaphragm and vertebral column is pronounced.

• Ruminants (e.g., Cattle, Sheep, Goats): In ruminants, the liver is shifted entirely to the right side due to the rumen's size. The dorsal border lies against the diaphragm and the vertebral bodies from the 7th to the 13th thoracic vertebrae. The caudate process of the caudate lobe, part of the dorsal border, forms a deep renal impression from the right kidney. The esophagus and caudal vena cava leave identifiable impressions along this surface.

• Pig: The porcine liver is situated more transversely in the cranial abdomen. Its dorsal border is in contact with the diaphragm and shows impressions from the stomach and esophagus. The caudate process lies dorsally, and the vena cava groove is marked.

3. Structural Features

• Caval sulcus: A groove accommodating the caudal vena cava, traversing dorsally through the liver.

• Esophageal impression: Especially in species like ruminants and pigs.

• Renal impression: Present on the caudate process of the caudate lobe.

• Insertions of the right and left triangular ligaments.