Decreased Gallbladder Emptying in Dogs With Biliary Sludge or Gallbladder Mucocele

Abstract

Biliary sludge in dogs is dismissed commonly as an incidental finding. On the other hand, gallbladder mucocele is reported increasingly in dogs and can lead to biliary obstruction or gallbladder rupture. Cholestasis is suspected to play a role in development of sludge and mucoceles, though there are no data in dogs to support this. We investigated gallbladder emptying, a key factor in biliary flow, in dogs with mobile sludge, immobile sludge, or gallbladder mucocele and in healthy controls. Gallbladder ejection fraction estimated by ultrasonography was used as the index of gallbladder emptying. The ejection fraction at 60 min after eating was significantly decreased in all three abnormal groups. Moreover, all dogs with sludge or a mucocele had gallbladder distension. These changes were the greatest in the mucocele group. Thus, biliary stasis occurs not only in dogs with gallbladder mucocele but also in dogs with biliary sludge. Cholestasis may play a role in the pathogenesis or progression of these diseases in dogs.

Association of Gallbladder Mucocele Histologic Diagnosis with Selected Drug Use in Dogs: A Matched Case‐Control Study

“…Several predisposing factors for GBM formation in dogs have been identified or are suspected such as concurrent hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism,6 hyperlipidemia,3, 10 and poor gallbladder motility 12. However, the underlying cause of GBM formation essentially is unknown.…”

Liver

“…One study concluded that sludge was not particularly related to hepatobiliary disease and should be considered an incidental finding. 11 In the majority of cases, biliary sediment does not shadow (Figures 9-41, A to E, and 9-42, A). This seems to be particularly true in cats.…”

“…9 A small amount of mobile, dependent echogenic, nonshadowing sediment (biliary sludge) may be present within the lumen in normal dogs. 11 The gallbladder wall is poorly seen or appears as a thin (1 to 2 mm) echogenic line in dogs. 11 The gallbladder wall is poorly seen or appears as a thin (1 to 2 mm) echogenic line in dogs.…”

“…185,189 The amount of sediment or echogenic bile within the gallbladder is variable and is seen in apparently healthy, nonfasting animals or those with biliary stasis from fasting or illness. 9,11,184 In a recent study, dogs with biliary sludge (mobile, nonmobile, and mucocele) had a reduction in gallbladder ejection fraction and elevation of gallbladder volume compared to normal healthy dogs without biliary sludge. One study concluded that sludge was not particularly related to hepatobiliary disease and should be considered an incidental finding.…”

“…The cause and clinical significance of sediment are not fully understood. 11 These dogs had diminished gallbladder motor function and cholestasis. 10 However, sludge can occur in association with hepatobiliary disease and may indicate biliary stasis.…”