Gallbladder torsion without hepatic lobe torsion in a cat

A 4-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with lethargy, anorexia and vomiting that did not improve with symptomatic treatment. Blood tests revealed markedly elevated liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound showed gallbladder abnormalities, including a small gallbladder, indistinct fundus, a continuous spiral-shaped morphology forming C- and reverse C-shaped curves, and hyperechoic fat surrounding the gallbladder. An exploratory laparotomy revealed gallbladder torsion without hepatic lobe torsion. Cholecystectomy was performed, and the prognosis was favourable.

Gallbladder torsion without hepatic lobe torsion has not been previously reported in cats. The clinical signs, diagnostic imaging features and intraoperative findings differed from those reported in humans and dogs. The unique ultrasonographic appearance seen in this case may assist with future diagnoses of this rare condition in cats.