Gallbladder Agenesis in 17 Dogs: 2006-2016.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Hepatology
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Gallbladder agenesis (GBA) is an exceptionally rare congenital condition in domestic dogs.
• Understanding GBA is crucial due to its potential association with other hepatobiliary abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with gallbladder agenesis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of various diagnostic modalities in identifying GBA and associated conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for seventeen client-owned dogs diagnosed with GBA between 2006 and 2016.
• Inclusion criteria required suspicion of GBA via ultrasonography and confirmation through gross examination.
• Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological results, diagnostic imaging (including CT cholangiography), histopathology, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Chihuahuas were the most prevalent breed (10/17). Common clinical signs included vomiting and anorexia, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes (15/17).
• Computed tomography (CT) cholangiography identified common bile duct (CBD) dilation in 12 dogs, without obstruction. Fourteen dogs had liver lobe malformations, and 16 showed ductal plate malformation histologically.
• Most dogs (16/17) survived the follow-up period, indicating a generally favorable prognosis with appropriate management.

Conclusions:

• Dogs with GBA exhibit clinicopathological and histopathological evidence of hepatobiliary injury consistent with ductal plate abnormalities.
• CT cholangiography proved superior to ultrasound for detecting non-obstructive CBD distention.
• A combined approach of CT cholangiography and laparoscopic liver biopsy is recommended for a thorough characterization of GBA and its sequelae.