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Canine gallbladder infarction: 12 cases (1993-2003)
D E Holt1, S Mehler, P D Mayhew
1Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA. dholt@vet.upenn.edu
Veterinary Pathology
|July 3, 2004
Summary
Gallbladder infarction, characterized by severe necrosis, was observed in 12 dogs undergoing gallbladder removal. This condition, distinct from cholecystitis, may stem from vascular issues, leading to gallbladder necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Surgery
Background:
- Severe transmural gallbladder necrosis is a critical condition in dogs.
- Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) is often suspected but not always the cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a cohort of dogs with severe gallbladder necrosis.
- To investigate potential causes and propose a histopathologic term for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Surgical removal (cholecystectomy) of the gallbladder in 12 dogs.
- Histopathological examination of gallbladder tissues.
- Surgical observation for gallbladder perforation.
Main Results:
- Twelve dogs presented with severe transmural gallbladder necrosis.
- Six dogs had gallbladder perforation during surgery.
- Eight dogs survived the surgery, while four died.
- Histology showed minimal to absent inflammation, ruling out cholecystitis as the primary cause.
- Vascular causes, including thrombi and atheromatous changes, were identified in some cases.
Conclusions:
- The observed gallbladder necrosis is consistent with gallbladder infarction.
- Gallbladder infarction is proposed as a histopathologic term for this condition.
- Vascular compromise is a likely etiology for gallbladder infarction in dogs.