CT findings of gall bladder rupture in two dogs with gall bladder mucocele

Abstract

A miniature poodle and miniature schnauzer were referred for the investigation of shallow breathing and restless behaviour, and the investigation of bilious vomiting, diarrhoea and the presence of a hepatic mass, respectively. In both cases, CT revealed heterogeneous, hyperattenuating content within the gall bladder, a defect in the gall bladder wall and leakage of biliary content into the perihepatic region compatible with gall bladder mucocele, rupture of the gall bladder and bile peritonitis. Both dogs underwent a cholecystectomy and made uneventful recoveries. Follow-up was available for both dogs one and two months later which confirmed a return to good health. CT is a helpful aid in the presurgical diagnosis of gall bladder wall rupture and bile peritonitis in dogs.