Canine Gallbladder Mucocele: Role of Medical Therapy versus Surgical Management in Decision-Making and Outcomes

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of extrahepatic biliary obstruction and biliary peritonitis in dogs, particularly in small breeds. The objective of this review is to synthesize current evidence regarding the role of medical therapy versus surgical management in decision-making and outcomes. Literature from experimental, retrospective, and prospective studies was critically examined to integrate mechanistic insights with clinical findings. Research indicates that impaired anion channel function, dyslipidemia, and endocrine comorbidities contribute to the abnormal accumulation of dehydrated mucins, while concurrent hepatic fibrosis frequently accompanies gallbladder pathology. Ultrasonography remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, but is poorly sensitive for rupture, and advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are increasingly useful. Prognostic analyses consistently identify rupture, bile infection, and systemic illness as strong predictors of mortality. Cholecystectomy is the definitive therapy, with elective procedures in stable patients achieving survival rates above ۸۵ percent and long-term median survival approaching five years. Medical therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, hepatoprotectants, and dietary modification can stabilize early or incidental cases but carries the ongoing risk of sudden rupture. Dogs managed medically that later require surgery have the poorest outcomes. In conclusion, early elective surgery provides the most reliable long-term survival, whereas medical therapy is best reserved for carefully selected, closely monitored patients who are poor surgical candidates.

کلیدواژه ها:

Canine gallbladder mucocele (GBM) ، Cholecystectomy ، Medical therapy ، Prognostic analyses ، Ultrasonography