Do Dogs Have Gallbladders?
Yes, dogs can suffer from gallbladder problems; let's explore this topic more.
You may wonder whether dogs have gallbladders. After all, we don't hear much about dog gallbladders compared to other organs that are known to cause particular problems in dogs, such as their stomachs or intestines.
Knowing whether dogs have gallbladders can not only quench our thirst for knowledge but can even be helpful because this information tells us whether dogs may suffer from gallbladder-associated disease as it happens in humans.
In this article, veterinarian Dr. Ivana Crnec, a graduate of the University of St. Kliment Ohridski, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola, Macedonia, shares whether dogs have a gallbladder and other fascinating facts about this organ that we know so little about.
Do Dogs Have Gallbladders?
Yes, dogs have gallbladders! Like the human gallbladder, the dog's gallbladder is delicate and prone to several conditions.
Anatomically, the gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sack-like organ situated within the liver’s lobes. It is an essential part of the dog’s digestive system.
The gallbladder stores bile produced in the liver. Bile is a yellowish-green, acidic fluid that helps digest and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
The sac-like anatomy allows the gallbladder to contract and release a small amount of bile into the intestines when necessary or following a fatty meal. The gallbladder and small intestines are connected via a bile duct.
The bile also neutralizes the stomach acids, moves food along the digestive tract, and removes certain waste products.
How Common Are Gallbladder Problems in Dogs?
Gallbladder problems are relatively common in dogs. They are not as widespread as gallbladder diseases in humans but are still frequently seen.
The incidence of gallbladder problems in dogs has been on the rise recently, probably due to the more skilled use of ultrasonography in veterinary practice.
The most common gallbladder conditions in dogs are biliary sludge, gallstones, and gallbladder mucocele, according to a study titled “Retrospective Analysis of Canine Gallbladder Contents in Biliary Sludge and Gallbladder Mucoceles” issued in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science in 2017.
Are Certain Breeds Predisposed to Gallbladder Conditions?
Yes, certain dog breeds are predisposed to gallbladder conditions. Breeds with a high risk of gallbladder issues include Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles.
A dog's gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sack-like organ situated within the liver’s lobes.
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What Causes Gallbladder Problems in Dogs?
The main cause of dog gallbladder problems is diet. Both qualitative and quantitative dietary problems cause gallbladder conditions.
For example, a low-quality diet rich in fats and cholesterol produces more saturated bile, which is prone to forming stones and clogging the canals.
Eating too much contributes to obesity, which is a determined risk factor for gallbladder issues. Not eating is hazardous, too. When dogs do not eat for a long time, bile stores in the gallbladder and causes problems.
Are There Any Risk Factors for Gallbladder Diseases in Dogs?
Yes, there are risk factors for gallbladder diseases in dogs. Commonly reported factors include excess weight or obesity, poor dietary choices, fatty foods, some medications, gastrointestinal problems, and certain underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and pancreatitis.
What Are the Most Frequent Gallbladder Diseases in Dogs?
The most frequent gallbladder diseases are biliary sludge, gallstones, and gallbladder mucoceles. Other less commonly seen issues include cholecystitis, gallbladder rupture, cysts, tumors, and congenital conditions.
1. Biliary Sludge
Biliary sludge is a problem in which the gallbladder builds up a sludge-like material. The sludge is made from a mixture of gallbladder compounds such as cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium. Its formation is associated with obesity, fast weight loss, and gallbladder inflammation.
Biliary sludge is not a condition in itself but often leads to complications. It is more common in senior dogs and is dangerous if it starts to put pressure on the walls of the gallbladder.
A biliary sludge gives a hyperechogenic image on an ultrasound and is simple to diagnose. Mild cases are managed with dietary changes, while severe cases in dogs require surgical gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy.
2. Gallstones
Gallstones form when dogs have very saturated bile and consist of cholesterol and bilirubin. The medical term for gallstones is cholelithiasis. Gallstones are prevalent in middle-aged and senior, small-breed females.
The gallstones either float in the gallbladder freely or clump together, causing duct obstruction. In the first case, they cause inflammation, and in the second, they prevent normal bile flow.
The diagnosis is made based on ultrasound. The treatment is medical or surgical, depending on the size and severity of the stones.
3. Gallbladder Mucocele
Gallbladder mucocele occurs when mucus accumulates in the gallbladder due to diseases and faulty genetics. Prolonged mucus build-up causes the gallbladder to stretch, and a severely stretched gallbladder is prone to rupturing.
Gallbladder mucoceles are prevalent in senior dogs. Underlying endocrine health conditions, like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, are critical risk factors.
Mucoceles increase the risk of sludge formation and are diagnosed with an ultrasound. In most cases, the vet recommends cholecystectomy or surgical gallbladder removal as a treatment.
4. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder gets inflamed by gallstones, infections, debris, and tumors.
The inflammation, in some cases, spreads and affects the bile ducts. The term for bile duct inflammation is choledocholithiasis.
Cholecystitis is treated medically or surgically. The medical treatment is based on the use of antimicrobials. Surgery is recommended if the inflammation is advanced and compromises the integrity of the organ.
5. Gallbladder Rupture
Gallbladder rupture is when the sac-like organ bursts spilling bile into the dog’s abdomen. Common causes of gallbladder rupture in dogs are trauma, severe inflammation, cancer, and parasites.
Gallbladder rupture in dogs is an emergency. The leaked bile inflames the abdominal cavity and causes potentially fatal peritonitis.
The vet will perform blood analysis and ultrasound to diagnose the condition. The treatment is surgical and based on gallbladder removal.
6. Gallbladder Cysts
Gallbladder cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that obstruct the bile flow into and out of the dog’s gallbladder. The fluid inside gallbladder cysts is mucus and is easily visible on an ultrasound.
Gallbladder cysts in dogs usually develop and co-exist with gallbladder mucoceles. Small cysts are harmless and do not usually require treatment, while large cysts need vet attention.
7. Gallbladder Tumors
Gallbladder tumors in dogs are not very common. When present, they are usually benign and occur in older dogs. The tumors develop in the local tissue or metastasize from other places in the body.
Tumors in or around the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts pressure the surrounding tissues and obstruct bile flow. The problems usually stem from impaired bile flow into the intestines.
Surgical removal of gallbladder tumors is not always possible. In such cases, the veterinarian recommends chemotherapy.
8. Congenital Gallbladder Issues
There are two congenital gallbladder conditions in dogs: gallbladder agenesis and biliary atresia. The exact cause of congenital abnormalities in dogs is unknown.
Gallbladder agenesis means lack of a bladder. Biliary atresia is the lack of a bile duct network within the liver.
Gallbladder agenesis is not life-threatening as bile will be stored within the ducts. Biliary atresia, however, is more hazardous. The prognosis for pups with biliary atresia is poor.
Yellow gums in dogs can is a sign of liver and gallbladder problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Gallbladder Problems?
The symptoms of gallbladder problems in dogs are jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and belly distension.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is when the skin, mucosal membranes, and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to bilirubin accumulation in the body and is the hallmark sign of gallbladder and liver problems.
- Loss of Appetite: The loss of appetite in dogs with gallbladder issues is due to pain or intense diarrhea and vomiting.
- Abdominal Pain: Dogs with gallbladder conditions experience abdominal pain and walk in with hunched backs. Their bellies are tender and sensitive to the touch.
- Vomiting: This is a non-specific sign that frequently accompanies gallbladder issues in dogs.
- Diarrhea: This is another non-specific sign and is frequently reported in dogs with gallbladder conditions.
- Belly Distension: Dogs with advanced gallbladder diseases exhibit distended abdomens due to fluid accumulation or liver enlargement.
How Are Gallbladder Conditions in Dogs Diagnosed?
Gallbladder conditions in dogs are diagnosed based on clinical signs and diagnostic test results. The vet starts by taking the dog’s history, performing a full body examination, and then ordering specific tests.
Abdominal ultrasounds and x-rays help diagnose gallstones, mucoceles, cysts, and tumors. Blood tests measure the levels of liver enzymes, cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile acids.
When to See a Vet for Dog Gallbladder Diseases?
See a vet for dog gallbladder diseases as soon as possible. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect a gallbladder condition or if your dog is showing worrisome symptoms.
Certain gallbladder diseases, like ruptures, are emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention. Prompt and proper vet care influence the prognosis.
What Is the Treatment for Gallbladder Problems in Dogs?
The treatment for gallbladder problems in dogs depends on the underlying cause and includes various approaches, from medications to surgery.
Regardless of the treatment strategy, all dogs with gallbladder conditions must be fed special diets. Dietary modifications are essential for successful treatment and prevention of future gallbladder disease episodes.
Can Dogs Live Without a Gallbladder?
Yes, dogs can live without a gallbladder. The main issue is the mortality rate in dogs associated with cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal.
A 2022 study, “Factors Affecting Survival in 516 Dogs that Underwent Cholecystectomy for the Treatment of Gallbladder Mucocele,” found that around 16.7% of dogs die within 14 days of cholecystectomy.
What Is the Prognosis for Dogs With Gallbladder Issues?
The prognosis for dogs with gallbladder issues depends on the exact problem. For example, the prognosis for dogs with managed gallstones is good. On the other hand, the prognosis goes from guarded to poor for dogs with gallbladder rupture or cancer.
References
- Galley M, Lang J, Mitchell M, Fletcher J. Factors affecting survival in 516 dogs that underwent cholecystectomy for the treatment of gallbladder mucocele. Can Vet J. 2022 Jan
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2024 Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST
