Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common is biliary sludge in senior dogs on ultrasound
By Secchi, P et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2012·Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence, risk factors, and biochemical markers in dogs with ultrasound-diagnosed biliary sludge.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that many older dogs have a condition called biliary sludge, which is often spotted during an abdominal ultrasound. This sludge can be more common in senior dogs and those with certain heart problems or on specific medications. While the study looked at various factors, it found that diet and blood markers didn't significantly link to the presence of biliary sludge. Affected dogs often showed an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) on ultrasound. If your dog has been diagnosed with this condition, it's important to discuss management options with your veterinarian.
People also search for: dog biliary sludge symptoms · senior dog liver problems · ultrasound findings in dogs · dog diet for liver health
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22513128/