They say bad things come in 3s…
The last two weeks have been full of all things gallbladder, including a suspected rupture. But 3 gallbladder mucoceles was an interesting find. Ultrasound is such a useful modality for working up elevated liver enzymes, anorexia and vomiting, and patients who have (or who are suspected to have) hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings). Imaging should include a thorough evaluation of the the liver, biliary tree including the common bile duct and duodenal papilla, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
All 3 of these cases had adrenal changes that could be seen with hyperadrenocorticism. And all three were smaller, absolutely adorable dogs. Fingers crossed they are all on their way to feeling better now that they have a diagnosis and are receiving specific care.
Surgery is the treatment of choice for mucoceles, preferably before the patient becomes sick with clinical signs. Unfortunately, there is a high mortality rate once the gallbladder ruptures.
