As a dog owner, it can be terrifying when your furry friend experiences an illness or injury. One of these illnesses that can cause distress in both you and your pup is a gall bladder infection. Though many pet owners are unaware, a gall bladder infection in dogs is not as uncommon as some think and requires immediate medical attention to make sure that no further harm comes to them. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for a gall bladder infection, or cholangitis in dogs so that you can have the knowledge needed to safeguard your pup’s health.

What is a Gall Bladder and What Does it Do?

The gall bladder is an organ located in the dog's abdomen that is closely related to the liver and intestines. The gall bladder stores bile which is necessary for digestion and absorption of fat.

When a dog consumes food, the bile gets released from the gall bladder into the small intestine to aid with digestion.

When bacteria invade the biliary system and gall bladder, infection can occur which results in significant inflammation and the clinical symptoms of gall bladder disease, or cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in dogs.

What Causes a Gall Bladder Infection in Dogs?

Acute cholangitis, or gall bladder infection occurs when bacteria from the intestinal tract reach the gall bladder (i.e. ascending infection) through the biliary ducts that connect the intestines to the gall bladder and liver.

The most commonly found bacteria is E. coli, but other infection-causing organisms can also be present in the bile ducts.

Additionally, infections can potentially spread through the liver blood vessels, which is one of the ways bacteria can travel in the body. When the normal defense mechanisms of the bile ducts are compromised, it can result in gall bladder disease in dogs.

Furthermore, disorders that cause slow or increased pressure in the bile ducts can weaken the defense mechanisms of the biliary system and allow for infection to root in the gall bladder.

Bacterial infection originating from the intestine and spreading to the gall bladder is the primary cause of gall bladder infections in dogs.

What are the Symptoms of a Gall Bladder Infection?

Dogs with a gall bladder infection typically exhibit a sudden onset of symptoms that can be alarming for dog owners. The signs are usually acute and can manifest rapidly. If your dog is affected, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Anorexia or reduced appetite
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Icterus or jaundice, is characterized by yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes.

Understanding and recognizing these symptoms early on can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, and often lead to a better prognosis.

How is a Gall Bladder Infection Diagnosed?

At the veterinary hospital, your dog will go through a few tests to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made. This starts with a thorough physical examination and review of their medical history.

Your veterinarian will then recommend the following medical tests in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis:

Blood tests: Blood testing will evaluate the liver enzymes and in cases of a gall bladder infection and disease, the liver enzymes are often elevated. Low blood proteins (hypoproteinemia) may also be revealed on routine blood testing.

Urine testing: The urine is often discolored, slightly orange, and can be foamy. This is a result of the excessive bilirubin and other pigments that are in the urine when there is significant gallbladder disease.

Imaging: Your veterinarian will likely recommend an abdominal ultrasound to determine the cause of the symptoms and elevations of liver enzymes found on the blood tests. The ultrasound will reveal and thickened and inflamed gall bladder when it is infected.

Culture: During the abdominal ultrasound, your veterinary team may collect a sample of bile to send to the lab to determine what bacteria is present and therefore, which antibiotic will work best and be the most successful.

What is the Treatment Plan?

Treatment for gall bladder infection in dogs is tailored to the specific needs of each individual patient. The treatment plan is a multifaceted approach that aims to alleviate symptoms, treat the underlying cause, and support overall recovery:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay treatment for gall bladder infections. Ideally, the correct antibiotic is chosen based on the result of the culture and sensitivity test. Common antibiotics used included enrofloxacin (Baytril®) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox®).
  • Ursodiol: Ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall®) can be used to treat gall bladder disease and infection in dogs. It helps by increasing bile flow, reducing inflammation in the liver, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Fluid Therapy: If your dog is not eating and is dehydrated, your veterinarian will recommend hospitalization so that intravenous fluids can be administered, correcting dehydration and maintaining electrolyte balance.
  • Surgery: If there is no response to medical therapy as listed above, or if there is evidence of gall bladder rupture due to the infection, surgical removal of the gall bladder may be necessary.

What is the Prognosis?

The prognosis for dogs with gall bladder infections, when treated promptly and appropriately, is generally good. The prognosis depends heavily on the dog's overall health, the age of the patient, and the severity of the infection at the time of diagnosis.

Dogs that develop a gall bladder infection and are greater than 13 years of age have a decreased prognosis.

A gall bladder infection in dogs is a serious condition that can lead to severe clinical signs and should be addressed immediately. Symptoms usually occur abruptly and may include vomiting, lack of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing to the skin). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a positive outcome.

If you have any questions or are concerned about gallbladder disease in your dog, please contact your veterinarian for advice.