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Gallbladder disease, also called biliary disease, is any illness or disease process associated with a dog's gallbladder and the surrounding structures. Issues can arise from an overproduction of bile, the formation of stones within the gallbladder, and even inflammation of the gallbladder and surrounding organs like the liver and pancreas. Dogs can become very sick or potentially die if gallbladder issues are not addressed promptly. Here's what pet parents need to know about gallbladder disease in dogs.

What Is Gallbladder Disease?

Gallbladder disease, sometimes called biliary disease, refers to a few types of problems that affect the normal functions of this organ.

Located in the abdomen underneath the liver and near the pancreas, the gallbladder is a small, sac-like organ that collects, concentrates, and transports bile in a dog. Bile is secreted from the liver into the gallbladder through bile ducts and then sent to the small intestine to help digest fats and certain vitamins. The bile also helps to excrete waste matter from the body.

There are multiple problems that the gallbladder can develop, and they often involve inflammation, infection, or obstruction.

Types of Gallbladder Disease

A dog's gallbladder can develop a variety of problems that may cause different symptoms and require different treatments.

Gallstones

Gallstones, also called cholelithiasis, are formed from cholesterol, bilirubin, and other components in very saturated bile. If a large amount of these substances are passed into the gallbladder, they may contribute to stone formation. Sometimes the stones simply float around in the gallbladder. In other cases, they create a blockage in one of the ducts and cause bile to back up. Ultrasounds are most commonly used for diagnosis, while medication or surgery may be required for treatment.

Gallstones are most often seen in middle-aged to older female, small-breed dogs. They can lead to obstructions and cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder is called cholecystitis. Ultrasounds and CT scans can rule out other diseases, and treatment typically involves antimicrobial administration or surgery. If your dog's gallbladder is inflamed to the point that the integrity of the walls becomes compromised, bile may leak outside the gallbladder and this can be life-threatening.

Gallbladder Rupture

Gallbladders are sac-like organs that hold fluid, and as such, can rupture and spill bile out into the abdomen. This usually occurs due to severe inflammation or trauma. Veterinarians may perform bloodwork or imaging (x-rays, ultrasound, or CT) to determine whether the gallbladder has ruptured. This can be life-threatening and lead to further complications, as well as require emergency surgery including cholecystectomy to remove the organ.

Gallbladder Mucoceles

Various other diseases and/or genetic predispositions can cause mucus to build up in the gallbladder and create a mucocele. A mucocele is an accumulation of mucus in the gallbladder that causes the gallbladder to stretch and become larger than normal. Mucoceles can also cause secondary issues including sludge build-up, and ultrasounds can be performed for diagnosis. Like gallbladder rupture, a cholecystectomy surgery is usually performed to remove the gallbladder.

Gallbladder mucoceles are typically seen in older dogs, especially those that also have an endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. If the mucocele causes enough bile and mucous build-up in your dog's gallbladder, there's a risk of it rupturing and causing life-threatening peritonitis (infection of the abdomen).

Cancer

More often seen in older dogs, cancerous tumors can invade the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. Tumors usually obstruct the flow of bile, which causes it to back up and results in secondary problems. Veterinarians may perform bloodwork, ultrasounds, and further testing to diagnose these cancers. Surgery is not always an option, but systemic chemotherapy is sometimes recommended.

Cysts

Cysts are growths that can obstruct the flow of bile into and out of the gallbladder. These cysts are usually filled with mucus and diagnosed by veterinarians via ultrasound. This condition may develop alongside gallbladder mucoceles.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

Many symptoms of gallbladder disease can be confused with those of other common diseases. Gastrointestinal upset with vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite can indicate a variety of problems in your dog, including gallbladder disease. However, other symptoms will typically be present to help narrow down the problem. Signs and symptoms of gallbladder disease in dogs might include:

Jaundice

Jaundice is the most recognizable and distinct sign of liver or gallbladder disease in dogs. Jaundice causes the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to a build-up of bilirubin in the body.

Abdominal Pain

Dogs experiencing abdominal pain may be sensitive to having their belly touched or change their posture (like walking with a hunched back). They may also breathe abnormally, make sounds of distress when moving around, or have difficulty standing up. Seek insight from a veterinarian who can determine the location of your dog's pain.

Vomiting

Like humans, dogs can vomit due to a simple stomach ache, which is often accompanied by eating grass. However, vomiting can also be a sign of serious health problems which can include gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal issues, and more.

Diarrhea

Gallbladder disease can cause your dog's stool to be abnormal and result in discolored stool and/or diarrhea. If you notice unusual signs, talk to your veterinarian to determine whether testing is necessary.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite in dogs with gallbladder disease can occur alongside other symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Abdominal Distension

Dogs with severe gallbladder disease may develop a distended or rounded abdomen due to fluid build-up in the cavity or enlargement of the liver.

What Causes Gallbladder Disease in Dogs?

It isn't fully known what causes gallbladder disease in dogs, but certain factors can lead to the development of these diseases.

• Diets high in fat or cholesterol may contribute to saturated bile, leading to gallstones and clogged bile ducts.
• Liver disease may also secondarily cause gallbladder disease, as the two organs work so closely together in the body.
• Diseases like Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of problems with the gallbladder.
• Trauma, which can damage parts of the biliary system
• Overproduction of bile, which may happen when a dog doesn't eat for a long time and the bile continues to be produced but can't do its job
• Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) likely have a genetic predisposition to developing gallbladder mucoceles.
• Bacterial infections in the body
• Cancer
• Blood clots

How Vets Diagnose Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

To diagnose gallbladder disease, your veterinarian will begin by discussing your dog's history and performing a physical examination. There are a variety of tests that your vet may recommend.

• X-rays and ultrasounds may show gallstones, mucoceles, cysts, or tumors in or around the gallbladder.
• Blood tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes, bile acids, cholesterol, and bilirubin.
• The vet may take samples of masses or fluid within the gallbladder and send them to be analyzed by a pathologist.

How to Treat Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

Depending on the specific type of gallbladder disease, your veterinarian may recommend a variety of treatments to address both the symptoms as well as the underlying problem. Treatment may include:

• Surgery to remove the gallbladder or correct a problem
• Ursodiol, a drug that contains a naturally-occurring bile acid
  
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Pain medications
• Anti-nausea medications
• Gallbladder or liver support supplements
• Diet changes

Prognosis for Dogs With Gallbladder Disease

Since there are several different diseases that can affect your dog's gallbladder, the prognosis will be related to which specific condition the dog was diagnosed with. When these diseases are left untreated, rupture of the gallbladder can take place (though rupture may also be caused by trauma). This is a serious condition that requires emergency surgery to treat, but if caught in time, the dog can live comfortably afterward with medications supervised by a veterinarian. However, in cases specifically involving gallbladder cancer, treatment options ultimately may not be effective.

How to Prevent Gallbladder Disease

Since no one knows exactly what causes every type of gallbladder disease, there isn't one specific thing you can do to ensure your dog never has a problem. But some things that may help keep your pup healthy include:

• Feed your dog a properly formulated diet
• Bring your dog to the vet at least once a year for a wellness checkup including the recommended routine lab work