Cholelithiasis in dogs: 29 cases (1980-1990)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, is a condition affecting dogs, with varied clinical presentations and outcomes.
• Understanding the epidemiological and clinical features of canine cholelithiasis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review medical records of dogs diagnosed with cholelithiasis.
• To identify risk factors, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes associated with canine cholelithiasis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 29 dogs with cholelithiasis.
• Analysis of signalment, clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging (radiography), surgical procedures, histopathological findings, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Older, small female dogs were overrepresented. Common clinical signs included vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Leukocytosis and elevated liver enzymes were frequent findings.
• Radiopaque gallstones were identified in some dogs. Bacterial infections were common in bile cultures. Cholecystectomy had a higher survival rate (86%) compared to other surgical approaches.
• Histological examination revealed chronic cholecystitis and liver abnormalities such as cholestasis and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Cholelithiasis in dogs often affects older, small females and presents with diverse clinical signs.
• Surgical intervention, particularly cholecystectomy, appears to offer the best prognosis for canine cholelithiasis.
• Concurrent gallbladder and liver pathologies are common and influence treatment outcomes.