Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of extruded gallbladder mucoceles in dogs
By Soppet, Jenelle et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2018·VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Extruded gallbladder mucoceles have characteristic ultrasonographic features and extensive migratory capacity in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of seven dogs with suspected gallbladder mucoceles (a condition where the gallbladder fills with thick fluid) were examined using abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasounds showed a unique mass in the abdomen that lacked blood flow, indicating it was likely a gallbladder mucocele. In some cases, the gallbladder itself was filled with similar material. Four of the dogs underwent surgery to confirm the diagnosis, and one was confirmed at necropsy. The findings suggest that these mucoceles can move around in the abdomen, so it's important for vets to check the entire area during surgery.
People also search for: dog gallbladder mucocele symptoms · dog abdominal ultrasound results · gallbladder surgery for dogs
Abstract
Limited information is available on the ultrasonographic characteristics of extruded gallbladder mucoceles. The objective of this retrospective case series study was to describe the ultrasonographic features of extruded gallbladder mucoceles in a group of dogs. Medical records of four veterinary centers were searched between June 2010 and January 2018 for all dogs with a suspected extruded gallbladder mucocele based on abdominal ultrasound. Seven client-owned dogs met the inclusion criteria. All seven dogs had a discrete, heteroechoic, multilayered, stellate, or striated mass within the peritoneal cavity. Blood flow was not present in these structures. Four of these structures were identified in the caudal abdomen. In five cases, the gallbladder lumen was filled with material similar in appearance to the free-floating peritoneal mass. Four cases were confirmed surgically and one case was confirmed at necropsy. Histopathology of the gallbladder wall was evaluated in all surgical cases and analysis of the free-floating material was performed in one of the four cases. Extruded gallbladder mucoceles have common imaging characteristics that may be helpful in establishing a presumptive diagnosis. Additionally, these structures may have extensive migratory capacity. The results of the study justify the recommendation for exploration of the entire abdomen during cholecystectomy for gallbladder mucocele removal.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30084215/