Diagnóstico e tratamento de mucocele da vesícula biliar em paciente canino - Relato de caso

Abstract

Among the various diseases affecting the hepatic system, gallbladder mucocele stands out due to its frequency in elderly canine patients and the challenges it presents regarding diagnosis. The main complication arises from the lack of understanding of its etiology, which hampers, primarily, the implementation of preventive measures. Given the clinical and surgical relevance of this pathology, this study aims to report a case of gallbladder mucocele in a nine-year-old Schnauzer bitch, treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba in Areia-PB. During the clinical examination, the animal exhibited symptoms of pain, abdominal distension, and difficulty maintaining a standing position. Additional tests, such as blood count, biochemical analysis, and a test for leishmaniasis, were performed, but did not yield definitive conclusions. Ultrasound examination of the gallbladder revealed an increase in its wall thickness, as well as the presence of anechoic content and marked hypoechoic sediment, suggestive of biliary sludge. Medical treatment was initiated, but after fifteen days of follow-up, the progression of the condition was confirmed, transitioning from biliary sludge to gallbladder mucocele, detected by a new ultrasound examination. Consequently, cholecystectomy was chosen as the treatment procedure. The excised organ was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele. This case report demonstrated that animals affected by this condition exhibit nonspecific clinical signs that can complicate the diagnosis, and ultrasound examination is an invaluable tool in aiding diagnosis. Furthermore, surgical resolution through cholecystectomy was crucial for the definitive resolution of the disease.