Anicteric gall bladder rupture secondary to necrotising cholecystitis in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, female cocker spaniel was presented for investigation of acute onset of vomiting and lethargy. Pyrexia, abdominal discomfort and marked abdominal distension were detected during clinical examination. Clinicopathological findings revealed mild neutrophilia with band neutrophils. Biochemistry showed a mild hyperalbuminemia (40 g/L; reference: 23–35) and mild elevation of alanine aminotransferase (165 U/L; reference: 0–110). A computed tomography scan of the abdomen raised suspicion of gall bladder wall rupture secondary to necrotising cholecystitis, associated with marked peritoneal effusion and cholangitis with duodenitis. An exploratory laparotomy and cholecystectomy were performed, with intraoperative abdominal lavage. Histopathology revealed a necrotic gall bladder wall, and analysis and culture of the abdominal free fluid confirmed the presence of a septic exudate with growth of Escherichia coli. The dog was treated with potentiated amoxicillin and clinical signs resolved. Cases presenting with biliary tract rupture could occur without suggestive serum biochemistry findings.