Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a condition in which small stones form in the gallbladder. It is more common in dogs than cats and can cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Causes of Gallstones
The gallbladder is a small organ that is located between the lobes of the liver. Its main function is to release bile, a substance that aids digestion. Gallstones occur when digestive fluid hardens and forms small stones.
Several factors can contribute to the development of gallstones in pets, including improper functioning of the gallbladder, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, infection, and tumors. Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to developing gallstones. These include poodles, Shetland sheepdogs, and miniature schnauzers.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Symptoms of gallstones can range from mild to severe. The condition can also be asymptomatic. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of gallstones.
- Jaundice
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Lethargy
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for other potential causes of your pet’s symptoms.
Diagnostic tests such as bloodwork and a urinalysis will be carried out to check for signs of infection and underlying health conditions. Symptoms of gallstones can mirror those of more serious conditions such as liver disease and pancreatitis. For this reason, it is important for your veterinarian to confirm or rule out these diseases.
Imaging techniques can also be useful for diagnosing gallstones in pets. In most cases, ultrasounds are more effective than X-rays at identifying gallstones or abnormalities in the gallbladder.
Treatment of Gallstones
Treatment of gallstones will depend on the severity of the condition. If gallstones are small and do not pose a direct threat to your pet’s health, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to dissolve them. Antibiotics may also be given to prevent or address the infection. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend intravenous vitamin supplementation to improve organ function.
If gallstones have created a blockage in the gallbladder, surgery will be needed to correct the issue. Depending on your pet’s condition, your veterinarian may recommend complete removal of the gallbladder.
Prevention of Gallstones
Although it is not always possible to prevent gallstones in pets, it’s important to feed a complete and balanced diet that meets your pet’s nutritional needs. Finally, please schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian so your pet’s overall health can be continuously monitored.
