Gallbladder disease is an illness or disease that is associated with a dog’s gallbladder. Serious issues can develop and may even become fatal if not caught and treated. Here’s what to know about gallbladder disease in dogs:

What is Gallbladder Disease in Dogs?

Gallbladder disease, also known as biliary disease, may not be the most common health problem found in dogs, but it’s still something a dog owner should be aware of. Gallbladder disease can refer to different medical issues of the gallbladder. This organ is found close to the pancreas and right under the liver and is responsible for collecting and transporting bile through the body.

Bile is a liquid that the liver produces. This substance is secreted from the liver and then travels into the gallbladder through bile ducts. It then goes to the small intestine where it’s used to digest fats as well as certain vitamins. Bile is also used in eliminating waste.

Inflammation and infection are a few of the most common problems that can arise in the gallbladder and can cause different types of gallbladder disease. Obstructions in the gallbladder may also occur, leading to issues as well.

6 Types of Gallbladder Disease

Different issues can cause a few types of gallbladder disease such as:

1. Gallstones

Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, form from cholesterol or other substances in saturated bile. When a significant amount of these substances come into the gallbladder, they can form a stone.

The stones sometimes just stay in the organ without complications. However, they may also block up a bile duct which causes a buildup of bile. Older, smaller female dogs are the most susceptible to gallstones.

2. Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is when the gallbladder becomes inflamed. If inflammation comprises the walls of the gallbladder, bile can leak out of the gallbladder. This can be fatal so early intervention and treatment is imperative.

3. Rupture of the Gallbladder

Gallbladders hold fluid in a sac which can rupture, spilling bile into the body. Trauma or inflammation can cause the rupture, which may be life-threatening. If a gallbladder ruptures, it can also lead to further issues, and removing the organ is almost always necessary.

4. Gallbladder Mucoceles

A mucocele is an excessive buildup of mucus in the gallbladder, which may cause the organ to stretch out. Mucocele can be caused by a variety of other diseases or there may be a genetic predisposition. Much like in the cases of a gallbladder rupture, the gallbladder is removed through surgery.

Dogs with endocrine diseases, such as Cushing’s Disease, may be susceptible to gallbladder mucoceles. They may also be more common in older dogs. When a mucocele causes too much buildup of bile and mucus, the gallbladder may rupture. This can result in an infection of the abdomen called peritonitis, which can be life-threatening.

5. Cancer

Tumors can grow in the gallbladder and surrounding area. These cancerous growths tend to block bile from flowing in and out of the gallbladder, which can lead to a host of secondary issues. Sometimes, surgery can be done, but much like in the case of lymphoma in dogs, chemotherapy to fight the cancer is most often tried first.

6. Cysts

A cyst is a mucus-filled growth that obstructs bile flowing in and out of the gallbladder and may develop along with gallbladder mucoceles. Any blockage in the gallbladder is dangerous and needs to be addressed.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

Unfortunately, many common symptoms of gallbladder disease are often mistaken as symptoms of other common diseases. These symptoms include gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as a loss of appetite.

However, there are some symptoms that indicate gallbladder disease in dogs, like jaundice. Jaundice is when the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow. Abdominal pain can be present and can cause your dog to have trouble breathing or difficulty standing up.

A loss of appetite is often present with these other symptoms. Dogs experiencing gallbladder disease may show signs of abdominal distention as well. These are symptoms you should never ignore in your dog and if you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

What Causes Gallbladder Disease in Dogs?

The cause of gallbladder disease in dogs isn’t definitively known. However, certain factors may contribute to the disease. A high-fat diet may lead to an excess of bile, causing clogged bile ducts and gallstones.

Liver disease is often a secondary cause of gallbladder disease. Dogs with Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism have a higher risk of gallbladder issues. If the biliary system experiences any trauma, bacterial infections, cancer, and blood clots, this can contribute to gallbladder disease.

Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder or bile ducts is called cholangitis, or cholangiohepatitis if it progresses to a disease, that may be a cause of gallbladder disease. This inflammation is caused by bacteria infections in the gallbladder and bile ducts. Mucoceles are also a known cause of gallbladder disease in dogs.

How Vets Diagnose Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

A vet will need to look at your dog’s health history and perform an exam in order to diagnose gallbladder disease. They will most likely use a few tests to help in the diagnostic process. These tests include X-rays or ultrasounds to help identify gallstones, cysts, mucoceles, or any tumors. Blood tests can find out if there are high cholesterol levels or elevated enzymes in the liver. Urine tests are also common.

The vet may order tests of any masses of the gallbladder to be analyzed further. Ultrasounds may also be used to analyze the consistency of bile. Normal bile is thin and looks black on an ultrasound exam. If the bile is thickened, it can’t pass through the narrow bile duct.

How to Treat Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

Treatment will depend on what kind of gallbladder disease is present. There may be a variety of treatments to target the symptoms as well as the problem causing the gallbladder disease. Common treatments can include removal of the gallbladder or surgical procedures to fix the issue.

A variety of medications can be given, as well. Ursodiol contains bile acid that is often prescribed to help the gallbladder perform normally. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics as well as anti-nausea and pain medications are also used in treatment plans. Diet changes also are implemented to reduce fat and cholesterol.

If a dog has cholangitis, they will be treated with antibiotics and medications to reduce the thickness of the bile. If a dog has cholangiohepatitis, these medications to change the consistency of the bile may be needed for the rest of the dog’s life.

If a dog has any obstruction or mucocele formation, they will require surgery to remove the blockage. Surgery may include removing the gallbladder or just changing the direction of the bile flow.

Prognosis of Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

Because there are a few different causes that lead to gallbladder disease, the outcome will depend on the specific cause. The gallbladder may rupture if these issues are not addressed. This is very serious and will require emergency surgery. However, if the rupture is caught early, dogs can typically live comfortable lives with proper treatment.

If gallbladder disease is caused by inflammation due to a bacterial infection, you can typically expect a full recovery with proper treatment. A gallbladder is not vital for long-term survival, but there will need to be an alternate path for bile.

How to Prevent Gallbladder Disease

Since it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the different types of gallbladder diseases, it’s hard to determine prevention. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your dog healthy. A well-formulated diet can help your dog get the right nutrients and keep their diet low in fat.

Ask your vet for advice if you are not sure how to choose the best dog food for your dog. Yearly wellness check-ups along with routine lab tests can give your vet early warning signs of any gallbladder issues that may develop. This can go a long way in managing treatment and preventing further complications.

This is an overview of what to know about gallbladder disease in dogs. The gallbladder is an important organ and if any issues arise, medical attention is necessary.