title: Prevalence, risk factors, and biochemical markers in dogs with ultrasound-diagnosed biliary sludge.
abstract: Regarded as an incidental finding, biliary sludge is often diagnosed in dogs on abdominal ultrasound. The aims of the present study were to assess the risk factors, biochemical markers and ultrasonographic findings and to estimate the prevalence and influence of different breeds, sexes, and ages on biliary sludge in dogs. Results demonstrate that the prevalence of biliary sludge is high, especially in senior dogs. The biochemical markers did not have a significant correlation with biliary sludge, and the type of diet was not considered to be the major risk factor. Hepatomegaly was frequently observed on the ultrasound scan of affected animals and of dogs on different systemic drugs and with cardiopathies, which have been referred to as risk groups for the development of inspissated bile.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Clinical Analysis Laboratory (LACVET), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Agronomia District, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 91540-000, Brazil. prisecchi@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Secchi
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Pöppl
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ilha
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Kunert Filho
authors.forename: F E S
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: F H D
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: González
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001646:Bile / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography