Case Study

Inflamed gallbladder mucocele, surgical emergency, in a 12 year old FS Beagle

This 12 year old FS Beagle presented with vomiting, discomfort, lethargy and inappetance.

Exam: painful cranial abdomen, dehydrated, mentation dull.

CBC/Chem: BUN low 8.8, Crea low 0.4, P high 5.0, Glob high 4.0, ALT 1000, ALKP 993, GGT 44, Tbili 2.9. HCT 53%, platelets 280,000

This 12 year old FS Beagle presented with vomiting, discomfort, lethargy and inappetance.

Exam: painful cranial abdomen, dehydrated, mentation dull.

CBC/Chem: BUN low 8.8, Crea low 0.4, P high 5.0, Glob high 4.0, ALT 1000, ALKP 993, GGT 44, Tbili 2.9. HCT 53%, platelets 280,000

DX

Inflamed gallbladder mucocele

Image Interpretation

The liver in this patient was coarse in architecture with increased portal markings. Gallbladder mucocele was noted with pericapsular inflammatory pattern. The gallbladder presented striating debris, dilated cystic duct and neck of the gallbladder. The gallbladder measured approximately 6.0 x 4.0 cm. Periserosal inflammatory pattern was noted at the neck of the gallbladder. This is consistent with inflamed gallbladder mucocele. Concurrent hepatic disease was noted with increased portal markings. This is consistent with cholangiohepatitis. The stomach was dilated with fluid, likely owing to generalized sickness and ileus.

Outcome

Immediate cholecystectomy and common bile duct lavage would be recommended.
Guarded prognosis. Surgery is essential in this case. The common bile duct was not
overtly visible owing to the inflammatory pattern. However, I am not suspecting
significant common bile duct disease.