Cholelithiasis in a 14 year old FS Miniature Schnauzer dog

Case Study

Cholelithiasis in a 14 year old FS Miniature Schnauzer dog

A 14-year-old FS Miniature Schnauzer with history of diabetes, seizures, and squamous cell carcinoma of right hind paw (5th digit amputated), was presented for decreased appetite, defecating in house, and vomiting. Physical exam was unremarkable. Patient was admitted for I.V. fluid therapy and nursing care. Blood chemistry revealed hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypochloremia, elevated Alkaline Phosphatase, high ALT, high AST and low Albumin/Globulin ratio. CBC was within normal limits. Radiographs showed hepatomegaly and a large bladder.

A 14-year-old FS Miniature Schnauzer with history of diabetes, seizures, and squamous cell carcinoma of right hind paw (5th digit amputated), was presented for decreased appetite, defecating in house, and vomiting. Physical exam was unremarkable. Patient was admitted for I.V. fluid therapy and nursing care. Blood chemistry revealed hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypochloremia, elevated Alkaline Phosphatase, high ALT, high AST and low Albumin/Globulin ratio. CBC was within normal limits. Radiographs showed hepatomegaly and a large bladder. The patient had markedly elevated pre prandial bile acids and markedly elevated post prandial bile acids, both >200 µmol/L, and both samples were grossly lipemic.

DX

Gallbladder was very large and filled with stones and sludge.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Cholecystitis, emerging GB mucocele formation and biliary calculi.

Image Interpretation

The gall bladder is significantly dilated (5 x 3 cm) with suspended debris and multiple hyperechoic foci consistent with biliary calculi with distinct shadowing. Some aspects of GB mucocele are present with dilated cystic duct and suspended debris. The GB presentation is likely contributing to if not overtly responsible for clinical signs.

Outcome

Patient remained hospitalized on fluids for several days and generally did well, but did develop some diarrhea. Recheck chemistry revealed hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperphosphatemia, significantly improved ALT, normalized AST, and hypocalcemia. CBC found thrombocytopenia. Recheck exam following 6 days on fluids found patient BAR, having normal stools, and a good appetite. Blood work still showed hyperglycemia, low BUN, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperphosphatemia, more improved ALT, and hypocalcemia. Patient was discharged with antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medication. Less than 1 month later patient had been doing well, was hyperglycemic, and owner reported dog had vomited a few times. Several months later patient presented for vomiting and lethargy. Physical exam was unremarkable. Blood chemistry revealed hyperglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperphosphatemia, high ALT, high AST, and hypercholesterolemia. CBC found low hematocrit and thrombocytopenia. Patient was sent home with liver protectant, antibiotics, and anti-emetic medication. Upon recheck exam 4 days later, patient was anorexic and a grade III/VI murmur was asculted. Patient was admitted for fluid therapy and recheck ultrasound. At recheck ultrasound, the gallbladder was very large and filled with stones and sludge. Cholecystectomy was recommended. After few days on fluids, patient was discharged with liver protectants and antibiotics. Follow-up exam approximately 2 months later found patient doing well on liver protectants. Aside from chronic hyperphosphatemia, all other liver enzymes had normalized, and CBC was within normal limits. Patient continued to do well with oral medications until presenting for trouble with right hind leg. Physical exam found a grade III/VI systolic heart murmur and pain on extension and rotation of right stifle. Patient was discharged on a course of NSAIDS and liver protectants. One week later patient presented on emergency at referral hospital for not doing well and was euthanized.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Liver pathology: hepatitis, hepatopathy (toxic, metabolic secondary to occult hyperadrenocorticism), cholangitis, biliary disease (mucocele, choleliths, extrahepatic bile duct obstruction); Pancreatic pathology: pancreatitis; GI pathology: gastroenteritis, protein losing enteropathy, protein losing nephropathy (need urinalysis), neoplasia. elevated bile acids cannot be evaluated in the presence of lipemia.

Sampling

None taken.

Patient Information

Patient Name : Dutchess T
Gender : Female, Spayed
Species : Canine
Type of Imaging : Ultrasound
Status : Complete
Liz Wuz Here : Yes
Code : 03_00101

Clinical Signs

  • Anorexia
  • Inappropriate Defecation
  • Vomiting

History

  • Diabetes, controlled
  • Neoplasia
  • Seizures

Images

dutchesst_gb_2_11122009010012Dutchesstgb_11122009010047

Blood Chemistry

  • Albumin, High
  • Albumin, Low
  • Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Low
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (SAP), High
  • ALT (SGPT), High
  • AST (SGOT), High
  • Chloride, Low
  • Cholesterol, High
  • Post-Prandial Bile Acids, High
  • Pre-Prandial Bile Acids, High
  • Total Bilirubin, High

Clinical Signs

  • Anorexia
  • Inappropriate Defecation
  • Vomiting
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