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Gallbladder agenesis in a Maltese dog.
Brenda Austin1, D Michael Tillson, Leah Ann Kuhnt
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Gallbladder agenesis, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a Maltese dog with elevated liver enzymes. This is the first reported case of gallbladder agenesis in a canine patient.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Hepatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Elevated liver enzymes, particularly alanine transferase, can indicate various hepatic conditions in dogs.
- Congenital anomalies of the biliary system are uncommon but can lead to significant clinical signs.
Observation:
- A 7-month-old female Maltese dog presented with marked elevations in liver enzymes.
- Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasonography, revealed an absence of the gallbladder.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis was confirmed via ultrasonography and surgical exploration.
- Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital condition previously documented in humans but not in dogs.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of congenital biliary anomalies in veterinary medicine.
- It highlights the importance of considering rare congenital defects in the diagnostic workup of canine liver disease.