Gallbladder Problems in Dogs
The gallbladder is a small sac located between the lobes of the liver. It stores and concentrates bile made by the liver before releasing it through the bile duct into the small intestine.
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
Bile contains bile acids and other substances involved in digestion and waste removal. When food enters the digestive system, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the intestine. Bile assists with the digestion and absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins.
A dog can live without a gallbladder after surgical removal because bile made by the liver can flow directly into the intestine.
Common Gallbladder and Biliary Problems
Gallbladder Mucocele
A gallbladder mucocele develops when unusually thick, mucus-rich bile accumulates inside the gallbladder. The material can prevent normal emptying, obstruct the bile ducts and stretch or damage the gallbladder wall. In severe cases the gallbladder may rupture and leak bile into the abdomen.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis means inflammation of the gallbladder. Infection, obstruction, reduced blood supply or other disease may be involved. An infected gallbladder can make a dog seriously ill.
Gallstones
Gallstones, also called choleliths, are less common in dogs than in people. Some cause no signs, but a stone can lead to inflammation or obstruct the flow of bile.
Bile Duct Obstruction
Thickened bile, stones, inflammation, scarring, pancreatitis or a mass may block the bile duct. Complete obstruction can cause severe illness and requires urgent treatment.
Possible Signs
Some gallbladder abnormalities are discovered unexpectedly during an ultrasound examination. When illness develops, the signs may be vague and can resemble many other digestive or liver problems.
- Reduced appetite or refusing food
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Abdominal discomfort or a tense abdomen
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Yellow colouring of the eyes, gums or skin—known as jaundice
- Dark urine or unusually pale faeces
- Collapse in severe cases
When It Is an Emergency
Gallbladder rupture, bile leakage and complete bile duct obstruction can be life-threatening. Seek urgent veterinary attention if a dog develops jaundice, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or tense abdomen, marked weakness, collapse or difficulty breathing.
Bile leaking into the abdomen causes severe inflammation called bile peritonitis. Affected dogs may deteriorate rapidly and require emergency surgery and intensive care.
Which Dogs Are More at Risk?
Gallbladder disease can affect any dog. Gallbladder mucoceles are diagnosed more often in middle-aged and older dogs and are reported more frequently in some breeds, including:
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Chihuahuas
- Pomeranians
Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), hypothyroidism and abnormal blood-fat levels, have been associated with gallbladder mucoceles. Having one of these conditions does not mean that a dog will necessarily develop a mucocele.
Diagnosis
The veterinary surgeon will consider the dog's signs and medical history and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:
- Blood tests to assess the liver, bilirubin and general health
- Clotting tests, particularly before surgery
- Urine testing
- Abdominal ultrasound
- X-rays where stones or another abdominal problem are suspected
- Tests for an underlying hormonal or metabolic disorder
- Bacterial culture or tissue examination where appropriate
Ultrasound is particularly useful because it can show the contents and wall of the gallbladder, the bile ducts and signs of obstruction or leakage. Results must be interpreted together with the dog's clinical condition and blood tests.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and risk of rupture or obstruction. A stable dog with an early or incidental abnormality may sometimes be managed medically with close veterinary monitoring. Treatment may include medication to improve bile flow, antibiotics where infection is suspected and management of an underlying disorder.
Medication that increases bile flow may be unsuitable if the bile duct is obstructed or the gallbladder might rupture. Never give ursodeoxycholic acid, supplements or a home remedy unless prescribed for that individual dog.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy, may be recommended for a mucocele, rupture, obstruction, infection or worsening disease. Planned surgery before rupture generally offers a better prospect than emergency surgery after severe complications have developed.
Monitoring
Dogs receiving medical management need regular reassessment. This may include repeat examinations, blood tests and ultrasound scans. Contact the vet promptly if appetite falls, vomiting develops, abdominal discomfort increases or jaundice appears.
Do not make an abrupt dietary change or start a very low-fat diet without veterinary advice. The most suitable diet depends on the gallbladder problem and any other liver, pancreatic, hormonal or digestive disease.
