Surgical management of gallbladder mucoceles in dogs: 22 cases (1999-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To describe preoperative, surgical, and postoperative findings and determine prognostic indicators and treatment recommendations in dogs treated surgically for gallbladder mucocele.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
22 client-owned dogs.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with gallbladder mucoceles that were treated surgically were reviewed. History, clinical signs, results of selected clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal ultrasonography, surgical procedure performed, results of histologic examination of a liver biopsy specimen, and survival time were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone interview with owners and referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
Dogs were 7 to 15 years of age and had non-specific clinical signs (vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy). Physical examination findings included icterus, signs of depression, and signs of discomfort on palpation of the abdomen. Sixteen dogs had a definitive diagnosis and 6 dogs were strongly suspected of having a gallbladder mucocele on the basis of results of abdominal ultrasonography. Fifteen dogs survived after surgery; 3 of these dogs had bile-induced peritonitis, and 4 had pancreatitis. One dog was euthanatized as a result of severe pancreatitis, and 1 was euthanatized because of acute renal failure; 5 dogs died as a result of pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or bile-induced peritonitis. Hepatic abnormalities were detected histologically in all dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
No predictors of survival were identified. No associations between outcome of surgical treatment (survival vs nonsurvival) and preoperative findings, biliary rupture, surgical procedure performed, results of histologic examination of the liver, or development of pancreatitis were found. Cholecystoduodenostomy and cholecystectomy appear to be acceptable treatments for gallbladder mucocele.
Worley
Deanna R
DR
Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery, 1111 W Loop S, Ste 160, Houston, TX 77027, USA.
Hottinger
Heidi A
HA
Lawrence
Howard J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009078:Mucocele / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome