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Advances in Canine Gallbladder Mucocele Diagnosis and Management
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2025
Obi Veterinary Education
December 15, 2025
Jody L. Gookin, Kyle G. Mathews, Gabriela Seiler
Background: Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation in dogs is characterized by excessive secretion of immobile mucus, leading to biliary obstruction, infarction, or rupture. The condition has become increasingly common in older, small-breed dogs and is often associated with endocrinopathies such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. This study provides an updated review of diagnostic criteria and management strategies.
Methods: A review of the literature and clinical experience was conducted to assess the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of GBM in dogs. Ultrasonography was emphasized as a key diagnostic tool, alongside clinical pathology findings and risk factor analysis. Treatment options, including cholecystectomy and medical management, were evaluated based on survival outcomes.
Results: GBM is most commonly diagnosed via abdominal ultrasound, which reveals a characteristic non-gravity-dependent "kiwifruit" pattern of mucus accumulation. Clinical signs range from incidental findings to severe illness with gallbladder rupture. Cholecystectomy remains the definitive treatment, with elective surgery carrying a lower mortality risk (5%) compared to emergency intervention (17–23%). Endocrine disorders and hyperlipidemia were identified as significant comorbidities.
Limitations: Ultrasound has limited sensitivity for detecting gallbladder rupture, and the pathogenesis of acquired CFTR dysfunction in GBM remains unclear. The review lacks prospective clinical trials comparing surgical and medical management approaches.
Conclusions: Early detection of GBM via ultrasonography is critical for optimizing patient outcomes. Elective cholecystectomy is recommended for dogs with advanced mucoceles, while medical management may be considered in early-stage cases. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic accuracy and investigate the role of endocrine dysfunction in disease progression.
Simplified schematic of ultrasonographic progression of mucocele formation. A—Early mucocele formation: hypoechoic (black) rim of mucus attached to the gallbladder wall with central echogenic mobile or immobile sludge. B—Immature mucocele: ridges of hypoechoic mucus extending from and attached to the gallbladder wall with central echogenic mobile or immobile sludge. C—Mature mucocele: hypoechoic mucus attached to the gallbladder wall and nearly obliterating the gallbladder lumen with a small volume of central echogenic mobile or immobile sludge. D—Hypermature mucocele: highly compressed hypoechoic mucus obliterating the gallbladder lumen with fine hyperechoic striations radiating centrally.
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