Gallbladder mucocele in dogs: 30 cases (2000-2002).
OBJECTIVE
To determine long-term outcome of dogs with gallbladder mucocele.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
30 dogs with gallbladder mucocele, including 23 that underwent cholecystectomy.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, and clinical, ultrasonographic, and surgical findings. Follow-up information was obtained for all dogs that survived the perioperative hospitalization period.


RESULTS
23 dogs had signs of systemic illness; 7 had no clinical signs. Median values for serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, serum total bilirubin concentration, and total WBC count were significantly higher among dogs with gallbladder rupture than among dogs without rupture. Sensitivity of sonography for detection of rupture was 85.7%. Overall perioperative mortality rate for dogs that underwent cholecystectomy was 21.7%; mortality rate was not significantly greater for dogs with rupture. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from the bile or gallbladder wall in 8.7% of dogs. All 18 dogs discharged from the hospital had complete resolution of clinical signs. In dogs that underwent in-hospital reexamination, serum liver enzyme activities were significantly decreased, compared with preoperative activities. Persistent increases in serum activities of 1 or more liver enzymes were detected in 9 of 12 dogs; 6 of 12 dogs had persistent abnormalities in hepatic echogenicity. Mean follow-up period was 13.9 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that cholecystectomy is an effective treatment for gallbladder mucocele. Although perioperative mortality rate is high, prognosis after discharge from the hospital is excellent. Rupture of the gallbladder warrants emergency surgical intervention but does not preclude a positive outcome.
Pike
Fred S
FS
Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Berg
John
J
King
Norval W
NW
Penninck
Dominique G
DG
Webster
Cynthia R L
CR
D000818:Animals; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D009078:Mucocele / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography