Diagnosis of Canine Gallbladder Mucocele in Dogs
Gallbladder ruptures occur in half of pets with a mucocele before diagnosis is made. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the symptoms of this serious condition. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, jaundice, fever and abdominal distention. Collapse is a sign of a rupture.
Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, concurrent with blood work. An ultrasound can detect a mucocele. If biliary sludge is difficult to differentiate from a mucocele, a cholagogue is used with the ultrasound to increase bile flow.
A cholecystocentesis might be performed, wherein an ultrasound guided laparoscopy is used to collect gallbladder bile for testing. The bile is then tested for bacterial infections. A bacteria culture from the gallbladder wall may also be examined. Complications that may arise from this procedure include bile leakage, hemorrhaging, and bacteria entering the bloodstream.
If your dog’s gallbladder has ruptured, and he could be suffering from septic shock, your veterinarian may run tests on abdominal fluids, blood, and cultures. If surgery is being recommended, your veterinarian will run blood counts, a urinalysis, and other tests.