Background:
Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a biliary disorder that has gained increasing recognition in dogs. It is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of inspissated bile and mucus within the gallbladder. It mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs and could lead to gallbladder rupture or biliary obstruction unless diagnosed early.
Ultrasonography remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, although clinical manifestations may vary and present challenges for timely detection among geriatric patients. Methods: A ۱۵-year-old intact male
Terrier was presented with lethargy, anorexia, and intermittent vomiting over three days. Physical examination revealed mild abdominal pain with no evidence of palpable masses. Hematologic evaluation showed mild leukocytosis and increased ALP and ALT activities. Abdominal ultrasonography was conducted using a ۷.۵ MHz probe to evaluate the hepatobiliary system and other abdominal organs. Results: Ultrasonographic examination showed a distended gallbladder filled with abundant immobile and mobile echogenic material forming organized sludge (stellate pattern). The gallbladder wall was of normal thickness. The liver was enlarged, with rounded borders, increased echogenicity, and a heterogeneous echotexture. A focal mineralized area and one rounded, mass-like lesion (۲.۳ × ۲.۷ cm) displaying similar echogenicity compared to the hepatic parenchyma suggested hepatocellular hyperplasia or early neoplasia. No free abdominal fluid or lymphadenopathy was found. All other abdominal organs were unremarkable, except for mild renal cortical cystic changes. These findings supported the diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele concurrent with hepatopathy. Supportive therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, antioxidants, and dietary modification was thus initiated, and noticeable clinical improvement was evident within one week. Conclusion: this case underlines the diagnostic importance of ultrasonography for the determination of gallbladder mucocele in geriatric dogs with mild clinical manifestations. The finding of organized echogenic sludge in a dilated gallbladder should raise the suspicion of mucocele formation in clinicians. Full hepatic and metabolic work-up is considered important since concurrent hepatopathies may affect the prognosis and treatment outcome. Early diagnosis and symptomatic therapy can significantly improve the clinical outcome and quality of life of the affected patients.