Determining the patency of biliary tracts in dogs with gallbladder mucocele using near-infrared cholangiography with indocyanine green.

Cholecystectomy is indicated for gallbladder mucoceles (GBM). Evaluating the patency of the biliary duct and precise biliary tree visualization is crucial for reducing the risk of compromised bile flow after surgery. Therefore, intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is recommended during cholecystectomy to prevent biliary tract injury. Although indocyanine green (ICG) cholangiography has been extensively reported in human medicine, only one study has been conducted in veterinary medicine. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the use of ICG for IOC to identify fluorescent biliary tract images and determine the patency of the common bile duct during cholecystectomy in dogs. This study comprised 27 dogs, consisting of 17 with gallbladder mucoceles (GBM) and 10 controls, specifically including dogs that had undergone elective cholecystectomy for GBM. ICG injection (0.25 mg/kg) was administered intravenously at least 45 minutes before surgery. During the operation, fluorescent images from cholangiography were displayed on the monitor and obtained in black-and-white mode for the comparison of fluorescence intensity (FI). The FI values of the gallbladders (GBs) and common bile duct (CBD) were measured using FI analyzing software (MGViewer V1.1.1, MetapleBio Inc.). The results demonstrated successful CBD patency identification in all cases. Mobile GBM showed partial gallbladder visibility, whereas immobile GBM showed limited visibility. Additionally, insights into the adequate visualization of the remaining extrahepatic biliary tree anatomy were provided, extending beyond the assessment of CBD patency and gallbladder intensity. Our study demonstrates the potential of fluorescent IOC using intravenous injection of ICG for assessing the patency of the cystic duct and common bile duct during cholecystectomy in patients with GBM, eliminating the need for surgical catheterization and flushing of the biliary ducts. Further research is warranted to investigate and validate the broader applicability of ICG cholangiography in veterinary medicine.

Concurrent hepatopathy in dogs with gallbladder mucocele: Prevalence, predictors, and impact on long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: Information is limited regarding the prevalence and importance of hepatic histologic abnormalities in dogs with gallbladder mucocele (GBM). OBJECTIVES: To (a) report prevalence of hepatic histologic abnormalities in dogs with GBM (b) evaluate for association between hepatic abnormalities and outcome in dogs with GBM (c) evaluate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) differs in dogs with GBM with and without specific hepatic lesions. ANIMALS: Fifty-two dogs with grossly and histologically confirmed GBM. METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective study of dogs with GBM undergoing cholecystectomy with concurrent liver biopsy. Archived histological sections of gallbladder and liver evaluated by investigators blinded to data. Proportions of dogs with each histologic abnormality alive vs deceased at 1, 3, and 12 months post-cholecystectomy compared. Mann-Whitney U performed to determine if NLR differed in dogs with or without selected lesions. RESULTS: 51/52 (98%, 95% CI [89%, 99%]) dogs with GBM had at least 1 hepatic histologic abnormality. Hepatic fibrosis (37/51; 73%, 95% CI [59%, 83%]), biliary hyperplasia (29/52; 56%, 95% CI [42%, 68%]), and portal inflammation (25/52; 48%, 95% CI [35%, 61%]) were most common. The proportion of dogs alive vs dead differed based on the fibrosis score at 1, 3, and 12 (P ≤ .04) months post-cholecystectomy. Dogs with hepatic necrosis (P = .006) and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis (P = .02) had higher NLRs compared to dogs without these lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Histologic abnormalities of the liver are common in dogs with GBM. A higher portal fibrosis score might be associated with shortened long-term survival after cholecystectomy for dogs with GBM. An increase in NLR might predict hepatic necrosis and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in dogs with GBM.

MUC5AC and MUC5B expression in canine gallbladder mucocele epithelial cells.

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is one of the most common gallbladder diseases in dogs. Its pathogenesis has not yet been clarified, but excessive accumulation of a secretory gel-forming mucin, MUC5AC in the gallbladder has been reported. This study aimed to ascertain if MUC5AC overproduction resulted in mucus accumulation in the gallbladder during GBM development. Eleven dogs undergoing cholecystectomy who were pathologically diagnosed with GBM were included, and the expression level of mucins, particularly MUC5AC and MUC5B, in their gallbladder epithelial cells was compared with those in normal gallbladder epithelial cells. On reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction screening, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the mRNA expression level of MUC1, but not of other mucins including MUC5AC and MUC5B, between mucocele and normal gallbladder epithelial cells. Protein expression levels were also evaluated for MUC5AC and MUC5B using immunohistochemistry. There was little immunoreactivity for MUC5AC, whereas MUC5B showed definitive staining in gallbladder epithelial cells. There was no difference in MUC5AC and MUC5B protein expression levels between mucocele and normal gallbladder epithelial cells. These data suggest that excessive production of mucin, especially MUC5AC and MUC5B, does not occur in canine GBM, and that abnormal mucus excretion, rather than excessive mucus production, may be the cause of GBM development.

Increasing age and severe intraoperative hypotension associated with nonsurvival in dogs with gallbladder mucocele undergoing cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic indicators and inflammatory markers associated with nonsurvival in dogs with gallbladder mucoceles (GBMs) following cholecystectomy and to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin concentrations in dogs with GBMs compared to healthy controls. ANIMALS: 25 dogs that underwent cholecystectomy for removal of GBM and 20 healthy control dogs. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study. Survival outcomes to hospital discharge and 2 weeks postdischarge were recorded from medical records. Laboratory variables, inflammatory markers (CRP and haptoglobin), and 25-hydroxyvitamin(OH) D (25[OH]D) concentrations were measured preoperatively. Associations between signalment, clinicopathologic variables, acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation (APPLEFAST) scores, inflammatory markers, 25(OH)D concentration, and survival were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: 76% (19/25) and 68% (17/25) of dogs survived to hospital discharge and 2 weeks postdischarge, respectively. For each additional year of age, the odds of nonsurvival in hospital and 2 weeks postdischarge increased by 2.2 (P = .01; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.0) and 1.7 (P = .04; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.2), respectively. Intraoperative systolic blood pressure ≤ 65 mm Hg increased the probability of nonsurvival in hospital (P < .04). Gallbladder perforation, APPLEFAST scores, and preoperative serum concentrations of CRP, haptoglobin, and 25(OH)D were not associated with survival. Serum CRP and haptoglobin concentrations were greater in dogs with GBM compared to controls (P < .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing age and intraoperative systolic blood pressure ≤ 65 mm Hg were associated with nonsurvival in dogs with GBM undergoing cholecystectomy. Serum CRP, haptoglobin, and 25(OH)D were not associated with nonsurvival postcholecystectomy in this sample population.

Ultrasonographic measurement of gallbladder wall thickness in fasted dogs without signs of hepatobiliary disease.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-determined gallbladder wall thickness is widely used to aid in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease, but no reference values supported by published measurement data are available in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: Establish normal thickness of the gallbladder wall in dogs. ANIMALS: Fifty-three dogs presented to a referral hospital and required abdominal ultrasound examination for reasons unrelated to primary hepatobiliary disease. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study recruiting dogs requiring abdominal ultrasound examination. A standard sequence of gallbladder wall images was recorded for later review. Inclusion criteria were normal ultrasonographic hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and small intestinal findings. Exclusion was determined by 2 European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)-certified veterinary internists blinded to gallbladder wall thickness data. Dogs were excluded if they had inadequate medical records, a previous history of hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, or pancreatic disease likely to impact the biliary system (eg, chronic vomiting, nausea, jaundice, diarrhea), unexplained increases in liver enzyme activities, hypoalbuminemia, or ascites. Gallbladder wall thickness was determined by 2 European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI)-certified veterinary radiologists working together to generate a consensus for each dog. The final output was the maximum normal wall thickness for this population of dogs. RESULTS: The upper limit for gallbladder wall thickness in 53 fasted (8 hours) dogs <40 kg was 1.30 mm (90% confidence interval, 1.19-1.41). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Normal gallbladder wall thickness in dogs is lower than previously reported. Additional studies are required to determine potential effects of body weight and the optimal cut-off to distinguish between healthy and diseased gallbladders.

Ultrasonographic features of gallbladder wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia.

Hypoalbuminemia has been considered as a cause of gallbladder wall thickening in humans and dogs. Recent study revealed that gallbladder wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia may not be associated with serum albumin/plasma levels within 48 h of ultrasound study. However, gallbladder wall edema may change within 48 h, and the ultrasonographic features of gallbladder wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between serum albumin levels within 24 h of ultrasound and gallbladder wall thickening, and to describe the ultrasonographic features of thickened gallbladder walls in dogs with hypoalbuminemia. 37 hypoalbuminemic dogs with gallbladder ultrasound images were retrospectively included. Ultrasound studies were reviewed, and gallbladder wall thickness, layering appearance, echogenicity, echotexture, distribution, evidence of gallbladder mucocele, and presence of peritoneal effusion were recorded. Additionally, serum albumin levels within 24 h of ultrasound study and the administerd sedation were recorded. The prevalence of gallbladder wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia was 13.5%. The 3-layer appearance of the gallbladder wall was observed in 4 dogs, and a single-layer gallbladder wall thickening in one dog. Diffuse thickening was observed in all 5 dogs. The serum albumin level of dogs with gallbladder wall thickening was not different (p = 0.14) from dogs without thickening. Gallbladder wall thickening was not common, occurring only with mild hypoalbuminemia, and was commonly associated with a 3-layer appearance and considered as gallbladder wall subserosal edema. Causes other than hypoalbuminemia may be responsible for thickening of the gallbladder wall in dogs with hypoalbuminemia.

Evaluation of gallbladder motility assessed by ultrasonography in dogs with hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of gallbladder (GB) mucoceles in dogs is unknown. It has been proposed that hyperlipidemia could impair GB motility and contribute to GB mucocele formation. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare GB motility in dogs with hyperlipidemia to control dogs using ultrasonography. We hypothesized that hyperlipidemic dogs will have decreased GB motility compared with controls. ANIMALS: Twenty-six hyperlipidemic and 28 healthy, age-matched control dogs were prospectively enrolled. METHODS: Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in all dogs. Hyperlipidemia was defined as hypercholesterolemia (>332 mg/dL) and/or hypertriglyceridemia (>143 mg/dL) using a biochemical analyzer. Ultrasound was performed before feeding, and 60 and 120 minutes after ingestion of a high fat diet. Gallbladder volumes (GBV) and ejection fractions (EF) were calculated. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBVs (ml/kg) before feeding and 60 minutes after feeding of 1.2 (0.4-7.5; P = .008) and 0.6 (0.1-7.2; P = .04) compared with controls 0.6 (0.2-2.6) and 0.4 (0.1-1.9), respectively. Severely hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBV at baseline, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes of 1.7 (0.6-7.5; P = .03), 1.3 (0.4-7.2; P = .02), and 1.3 (0.2-8.2; P = .04), respectively compared with mildly hyperlipidemic dogs. EFs at 60 and 120 minutes between controls, hyperlipidemic, and severely hyperlipidemic were all 0.3 at 60 minutes and 0.5, 0.3, and 0.3 at 120 minutes, respectively which were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Hyperlipidemia leads to GB distention in dogs which could lead to retention of bile and gallbladder disease.

The effect of flushing of the common bile duct on hepatobiliary markers and short-term outcomes in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for the management of gall bladder mucocele: A randomized controlled prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of flushing of the common bile duct (CBD) on hepatobiliary markers and short-term outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for the management of gallbladder mucocele (GBM). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, prospective study. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were allocated randomly to either a "flush" group or a "non-flush group." Flushing was performed in a normograde fashion, followed by a routine cholecystectomy. Data collected included presenting clinical signs, preoperative and 3-day postoperative hepatobiliary markers (alkaline phosphatase, ALP; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; gamma glumatyl-transferase, GGT; bilirubin; cholesterol; triglycerides), duration of hospitalization, and complications. These data were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixteen dogs were enrolled in each group. One dog (in the flush group) was excluded following diagnosis of hepatic lymphoma. Border terriers were overrepresented (20/31). Overall, there were marked reductions from preoperative to 3 days postoperative in serum bilirubin (p = .004), ALP (p = .020), ALT (p < .001), GGT (p = .025), and cholesterol (p < .001) values. There was no difference in any marker between groups. Survival to discharge was 90.3% (28/31 dogs). CONCLUSION: Cholestatic markers decreased significantly 3 days postcholecystectomy. No short-term clinical or clinico-pathological benefits were identified when flushing the CBD in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for GBM. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of the study do not support routine flushing of the CBD during cholecystectomy for GBM in dogs.

Ultrasonographic Appearance of Gallbladder Neoplasia in 14 Dogs and 1 Cat.

Ultrasonography is the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tool for gallbladder disease in veterinary medicine. Primary gallbladder neoplasia is an uncommon finding with variable prognosis for which no studies have been published describing their ultrasonographic appearance and diagnosis. This retrospective, multicenter, case series study examines the ultrasonographic appearance of gallbladder neoplasia with histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnoses. A total of 14 dogs and 1 cat were analyzed. All discrete masses were sessile in shape and varied in size, echogenicity, location, and gallbladder wall thickening. All studies with images showing Doppler interrogation exhibited vascularity. Cholecystoliths were an uncommon finding, being present in only one case in this study, unlike in humans. The final diagnosis of the gallbladder neoplasia was neuroendocrine carcinoma (8), leiomyoma (3), lymphoma (1), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (1), extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (1), and adenoma (1). Findings from this study indicate that primary gallbladder neoplasms have variable sonographic appearances and cytologic and histologic diagnoses.

Increased radiographic opacity in the region of the gallbladder can be identified in dogs with large amounts of gallbladder sediment, sludge balls, and gallbladder mucocele.

Increased soft-tissue opacity in the region of the canine gallbladder is incidentally detected on radiographs. We hypothesized that there is a difference in the detection of gallbladder sediment on radiographs depending on the amount or mobility of the sediment. In this retrospective and analytical study, we aimed to assess the ultrasonographic features of gallbladder sediment that were detected radiographically. We also aimed to assess the differences in the detection of increased opacity of the gallbladder between radiographic views. We included 223 dogs that underwent thoracic radiography, abdominal radiography, and gallbladder ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic images of the gallbladder were divided into five groups: group 1, gravity-dependent sediment occupying < 50% of the gallbladder; group 2, gravity-dependent sediment occupying ≥50%; group 3, sediment attached to the gallbladder wall; group 4, sludge ball; and group 5, gallbladder mucocele. Dogs showing increased opacity on subjective assessment of any radiographic view were recorded, and the sensitivity of radiographic views for detecting gallbladder sediment was analyzed. Of 168 dogs with gallbladder sediment, 37 had increased opacity on at least one radiographic projection. The frequency was compared as a percentage within each category, and Group 4 was the highest percentage with increased radiographic gallbladder opacity, followed by Groups 2 and 5. The sensitivity for detecting increased opacity was highest in the thoracic ventrodorsal view. Thus, in dogs with increased gallbladder opacity on radiographs, large amounts of gallbladder sediment, sludge balls, and gallbladder mucocele should be considered differential diagnoses. In addition, the thoracic ventrodorsal view is recommended to evaluate gallbladder opacity.

Gallbladder microbiota in healthy dogs and dogs with mucocele formation.

To date studies have not investigated the culture-independent microbiome of bile from dogs, a species where aseptic collection of bile under ultrasound guidance is somewhat routine. Despite frequent collection of bile for culture-based diagnosis of bacterial cholecystitis, it is unknown whether bile from healthy dogs harbors uncultivable bacteria or a core microbiota. The answer to this question is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of biliary infection and as a baseline to exploration of other biliary diseases in dogs where uncultivable bacteria could play a pathogenic role. A pressing example of such a disease would be gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs. This prevalent and deadly condition is characterized by excessive secretion of abnormal mucus by the gallbladder epithelium that can eventually lead to rupture of the gallbladder or obstruction of bile flow. The cause of mucocele formation is unknown as is whether uncultivable, and therefore unrecognized, bacteria play any systematic role in pathogenesis. In this study we applied next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the culture-negative bacterial community of gallbladder bile from healthy dogs and gallbladder mucus from dogs with mucocele formation. Integral to our study was the use of 2 separate DNA isolations on each sample using different extraction methods and sequencing of negative control samples enabling recognition and curation of contaminating sequences. Microbiota findings were validated by simultaneous culture-based identification, cytological examination of bile, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) performed on gallbladder mucosa. Using culture-dependent, cytological, FISH, and 16S rRNA sequencing approaches, results of our study do not support existence of a core microbiome in the bile of healthy dogs or gallbladder mucus from dogs with mucocele formation. Our findings further document how contaminating sequences can significantly contribute to the results of sequencing analysis when performed on samples with low bacterial biomass.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the subserosal layer dissection technique in dogs: 34 cases (2015-2021).

OBJECTIVES: To describe a standardised subserosal layer dissection technique and evaluate its outcomes in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis, cholecystitis, and gall bladder mucocele at a single veterinary hospital from January 2015 to September 2021 were extracted. Operative time, subserosal layer dissection achievement rate, open conversion rate, and complication rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four dogs were included. The most common preoperative diagnosis was cholecystolithiasis (n=29). Operative time was 190 minutes (range: 110 to 330 minutes). Subserosal layer dissection of more than 90% of the gall bladder bed was achieved in 27 (79%) dogs. Conversion to open surgery was required in three (8.8%) dogs. There were no cases of intraoperative bleeding, bile duct injury, or reoperation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique could be performed successfully in dogs. Future prospective clinical studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness of this technique compared to standard techniques.

Comparative evaluation of three laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in rabbit's model

Purpose: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. Results: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. Conclusions: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

High frequency of cholecystitis in dogs with gallbladder mucocoele in Hong Kong.

The aims of this retrospective study were to characterise the epidemiological, clinical, histopathological, and microbiological findings as well as surgical outcomes in dogs admitted to a specialist veterinary hospital in Hong Kong for surgical management of gallbladder mucocoele (GBM). Inclusion criteria were cases with histopathological diagnosis of GBM and accompanying abdominal imaging, serum biochemistry, bile culture, and liver biopsy histology results. Fifty-six cases met the inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 12 years (range, 5-16 years). Miniature or toy pure-breed dogs were most commonly affected, including Poodles, Pomeranians, Schnauzers, Bichon frises and Chihuahuas. However, no breed was over-represented compared with their expected proportions among annual hospital admissions. Histological evidence of cholecystitis was present in 84% of cases, including acute cholecystitis in 18%, chronic cholecystitis in 37.5%, acute on chronic cholecystitis in 28% and acute with necrosis in 6%. The most common liver lesions were cholestasis in 64%, along with portal fibrosis in 55%, oedema in 50% and bile duct hyperplasia in 50%. Bile culture was positive in 29.6% of cases. Escherichia coli and Enterobacter species were most commonly isolated. Stentrophomonas maltophili was cultured from one case. Of the 16 cases where bacteria were isolated from bile culture, 94% had evidence of chronic cholecystitis and 81% had evidence of cholangiohepatitis. Fifty dogs (89.3%) survived to discharge including 5/5 dogs with ruptured gallbladders. Of 34 dogs with follow-up data, 21/34 (61.8%) were still alive 12 months later. Gallbladder mucocoeles were frequently associated with both acute and chronic inflammation. High survival rates to discharge were achieved.

Clinical relationship between histopathological necrotic/partial necrotic findings and disease condition of gallbladder mucoceles in dogs.

Gallbladder mucocele (GM) is a common extrahepatic biliary disease recognized in dogs and is defined as the expansion and extension of the gallbladder by an accumulation of semi-solid bile or bile acid. Histopathological diagnosis of necrotizing cholecystitis and transmural coagulative necrosis of the gallbladder wall shows poor prognosis. Conversely, histopathological diagnosis with partial necrotic findings is often achieved. We hypothesized that histopathological partial necrosis of the gallbladder wall is the primary lesion of necrotic cholecystitis or transmural ischemic necrosis. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between histopathological necrosis/ partial necrosis findings and their clinical conditions. We retrospectively analyzed 55 dogs diagnosed with GM that had undergone cholecystectomy at the Yamaguchi University Animal Medical Center. The group with histopathological necrosis/partial necrosis of the gallbladder wall showed elevated levels of preoperative white blood cells, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, and C-reactive protein compared to the non-necrotic group. Partial necrosis of the gallbladder wall may affect the progression of the disease and hematological abnormalities. Additionally, all death cases until 2 weeks were included in the histopathological necrosis/partial necrosis group. In this study, we found that poor prognosis factors were associated with partial necrosis of the gallbladder wall. Furthermore, these cases of partial necrosis showed elevated levels of blood test parameters. These results suggest that necrosis of the gallbladder wall is associated with poor prognosis and poor pathophysiological conditions.

Screening of bacterial DNA in bile sampled from healthy dogs and dogs suffering from liver- or gallbladder-associated disease.

Although the biliary system is generally aseptic, gallbladder microbiota has been reported in humans and some animals apart from dogs. We screened and analyzed the bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid in canine gallbladders using bile sampled from 7 healthy dogs and 52 dogs with liver- or gallbladder-associated disease. PCR screening detected bacteria in 17.3% of diseased dogs (9/52) and none in healthy dogs. Microbiota analysis of PCR-positive samples showed that the microbial diversity differed between liver- and gallbladder-associated disease groups. Thus, a specific bacterial community appears to occur at a certain frequency in the bile of diseased dogs.

Anicteric Gallbladder Rupture with Elevated Bile Acids in Abdominal Effusion in a Dog with Cholecystitis.

Anicteric gallbladder rupture has been rarely described in veterinary medicine, and, generally, it has been related to gallbladder wall necrosis secondary to gallbladder mucocele. A 5 yr old, male, neutered Labrador retriever presented for acute onset anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. Cholecystitis was diagnosed based on the ultrasonographic findings and bactibilia, and, consequently, medical treatment was established. Despite improvement of the patient, a focal ultrasound of the hepatobiliary tract was performed 72 hr after admission for reassessment, revealing gallbladder wall thickening and abdominal effusion. Intracellular bacteria were present in nondegenerated neutrophils, and the effusion was categorized as septic exudate, compatible with septic peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed an anicteric gallbladder rupture potentially secondary to cholecystitis and/or previous cholecystocentesis. The patient was not icteric the day of the surgery, serum bilirubin was within normal limits, abdominal fluid bilirubin concentration was below that of serum, and no bile pigment was detected; however, bile acids were significantly higher in the abdominal effusion compared with the serum concentration. This case describes an anicteric gallbladder rupture in a dog with concomitant cholecystitis and raises the question about the sensitivity of bile acid evaluation as a tool for diagnosis of gallbladder rupture and bile peritonitis in dogs.

A multicenter retrospective study assessing progression of biliary sludge in dogs using ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Biliary sludge (BS) frequently is identified on ultrasonographic examination and is described as incidental. It is hypothesized that biliary stasis and hypersecretion play a role in both BS and gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation. Recent studies have documented similarities in composition of BS and GBM, and there are several examples of progression from BS to GBM in the veterinary literature. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between the presence of BS and later development of GBM in dogs, over time periods >12 months. ANIMALS: A total of 154 dogs with BS and ultrasonographic follow-up >12 months. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively collected from 9 UK-based referral centers for all available time points. A semiobjective scoring system was used to track volume of BS within the gall bladder (GB) over time. RESULTS: Twenty dogs developed GBM during the study period. Shetland Sheepdogs (odds ratio [OR], 40.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.61-465.95; P = .003) and Border Terriers (OR, 11.66; 95% CI, 3.28-46.63; P < .001) were independent risk factors for the development of GBM. Non-gravity-dependent BS (NDBS) was noted to form before GBM development in 9/20 dogs, and breeds at-risk for GBM were more likely to have NDBS. Odds for the development of GBM increased with BS score. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with NDBS may be at risk for the development of GBM and a stratified BS scoring system could allow for semiobjective monitoring over time, particularly in at-risk breeds.

Prevalence of gallbladder sludge and associated abnormalities in cats undergoing abdominal ultrasound.

The significance of gallbladder sludge in cats remains largely unknown and has been speculated to be a pathologic finding in cats. The objectives of this retrospective, observational study were to determine the prevalence of gallbladder sludge in the population of cats presenting for abdominal ultrasound; to describe clinical signs, laboratory findings and certain abdominal ultrasound abnormalities; and to compare these findings to cats without gallbladder sludge. One hundred and ninety-two cats were included. Medical records were searched for cats with an abdominal ultrasound performed between October 2014-2015. Signalment, clinical signs, complete blood count, biochemical findings, presence or absence of gallbladder sludge, and hepatobiliary and pancreatic ultrasound findings were recorded. Gallbladder sludge was present in 44% of cats that underwent an abdominal ultrasound. There was no significant difference in age, sex, presenting clinical signs or clinicopathologic variables between the two groups. Gallbladder wall thickening significantly increased the odds of detecting gallbladder sludge (OR-3.7 95% CI 1.4 - 10.0). Gallbladder sludge was not associated with other ultrasonographic abnormalities of the liver, gallbladder, bile duct or pancreas. Gallbladder sludge is common in cats undergoing abdominal ultrasound and appears to be a non-specific finding. The clinical significance of concurrent gallbladder sludge and gallbladder wall thickening present on ultrasound in cats remains to be determined.

Chronic cholecystitis: Diagnostic and therapeutic insights from formerly bile-farmed Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus).

Across Southeast Asia and China, more than 17000 Asian bears are kept under suboptimal conditions and farmed for their bile to meet the consumer demand for traditional medicine products. Years of unsterile and repetitive bile extraction contribute to the development of chronic sterile or bacterial cholecystitis, a pathology commonly diagnosed in formerly bile-farmed bears. In both human and veterinary medicine, the diagnostic value of the macroscopic bile examination for assessing gallbladder disease is unclear. The objective of this study is to identify the role of gallbladder bile color, viscosity, and turbidity, while comparing them with established markers of cholecystitis. Moreover, it aims to define the optimal duration of oral antibiotic treatment for chronic bacterial cholecystitis in bears associated with bile farming. Thirty-nine adult, formerly bile-farmed Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) were examined under anesthesia and underwent percutaneous ultrasound guided cholecystocentesis. A total of 59 bile samples were collected with 20 animals sampled twice to evaluate the therapeutic success. All bile aspirates were assessed macroscopically and microscopically followed by submission for bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity. In the majority of bears, samples with cytological evidence of bactibilia lacked inflammatory cells and did not always correlate with positive bacterial cultures. The most common bacterial isolates were Enterococcus spp, Streptococcus spp and Escherichia coli. Based on our findings, the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for chronic bacterial cholecystitis is 30 days. Moreover, unlike Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and gallbladder wall thickness, the organoleptic properties of bile were found to be reliable markers of chronic gallbladder inflammation with color and turbidity indicating cholestasis. The current study highlights the importance of cholecystocentesis for the management of gallbladder disease and provides initial results on the possible diagnostic value of macroscopic bile examination.