Gallbladder Mucocele in Dogs

Category: Liver
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

Thick, mucus-rich bile can collect inside the gallbladder instead of flowing normally. This buildup may block the tubes that carry bile and stretch the gallbladder wall. As the problem progresses, the wall can become damaged and rupture, letting bile leak into the abdomen. Some dogs show only vague digestive changes, while others develop a serious, potentially life-threatening illness.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Eating less than usual
Low energy
A sore or tense belly
Yellow coloring of the gums or skin

Most often seen in middle-aged and older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has a painful belly and yellow gums.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet uses a physical examination, blood tests, and an ultrasound scan of the belly to investigate a suspected mucocele. Ultrasound can show the abnormal material inside the gallbladder and help assess the disease. Blood tests may show raised liver enzyme levels and other abnormalities. Some mucoceles are found during imaging before obvious signs develop.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Small

Border TerrierSmall · Terrier Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.