Cholecystectomy in 23 cats (2005-2021)

To describe the clinical presentation, treatments, and long-term outcomes following cholecystectomy in cats.

Clinical retrospective study.

Twenty-three client-owned cats.

Medical records of all cats undergoing cholecystectomy between 2005 and 2021 at a single referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. No cats were excluded. An owner questionnaire assessed long-term outcomes.

Vomiting, jaundice, and abdominal pain were the most common clinical signs; median duration of signs was 4 days (range 1-21). Cholelithiasis was the major indication for cholecystectomy followed by cholecystitis. Intraoperative hypotension and postoperative anemia were commonly encountered. Nine cats required a postoperative blood product transfusion. Cardiopulmonary arrest and death occurred in five cats. Eighteen cats (78.3%) survived to discharge. Long-term follow up (>60 days) was available for 16 cats at a median of 1003 days (range 81-4995). Fifteen cats survived over 6 months with eight cats (44.4%) surviving over 3 years. The most common short-term and long-term postoperative complication was vomiting. Owners assessed postoperative outcome as excellent in all cats and quality of life as excellent or good.

The most common indication for cholecystectomy was cholelithiasis. Perioperative complications were commonly encountered. Perioperative mortality rate was 21.7%. Long-term owner evaluation of clinical outcome was considered excellent.

Cats undergoing cholecystectomy for non-neoplastic causes can have a favorable prognosis for recovery and quality of life. Concurrent extrahepatic biliary duct obstruction is not a contraindication for cholecystectomy provided that patency of the common bile duct is restored.