Long-term survival and risk factors associated with biliary surgery in dogs: 34 cases (1994-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine factors associated with long-term survival after biliary surgery in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
34 dogs that underwent biliary surgery.


METHODS
Data extracted from medical records included sex, breed, body weight, age at surgery, history and clinical examination findings, preoperative and postoperative CBC, serum biochemical panel and coagulation profiles results, abdominal ultrasonographic findings, results of bacteriologic culture and histologic examination, surgical findings, postoperative complications, and survival time. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records or phone conversations with owners and referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
Primary biliary findings included gallbladder mucocele (n = 20 dogs), inflammatory diseases (4), trauma (3), and neoplasia (1). Secondary biliary diseases included pancreatitis (n = 4), pancreatic neoplasia (1), and duodenal perforation (1). One- and 2-year survival rates were both 66%. Increasing age; gamma-glutamyltransferase activity; preanesthetic heart rate; BUN, phosphorus, and bilirubin concentrations; and the use of biliary diversion procedures were risk factors for death, although pancreatitis was not. However, poor long-term survival was associated with pancreatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term prognosis was guarded after biliary surgery in dogs. However, dogs that survived the early postoperative period had good long-term prognosis. Dogs with pancreatitis had poor prognosis. Overall, the prognosis was worse for dogs that underwent a biliary diversion, compared with dogs that did not.
Amsellem
Pierre M
PM
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Seim
Howard B
HB
MacPhail
Catriona M
CM
Bright
Ron M
RM
Twedt
David C
DC
Wrigley
Robert H
RH
Monnet
Eric
E
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome