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Imaging–pathology correlation
1 photo from surgery, necropsy or pathology. Some are graphic.
Canine (Cocker Spaniel Mix) · Ultrasound — Abdomen
Presenting complaint
Signalment: 9-year-old male neutered Cocker Spaniel mix, 13.6 kg Presenting complaint: Acute abdominal pain with restlessness, panting and hyporexia. History: Bloodwork at the primary hospital revealed a marked inflammatory leukogram (WBC 44.5) and a cholestatic pattern (ALT 385, ALP 1650, GGT 134, total bilirubin 32). Point of care ultrasound identified a markedly distended and abnormal gallbladder, with mucocele versus mass considered, alongside cranial abdominal effusion that increased over the course of the night. Abdominal fluid was sampled prior to referral. The patient was transferred for complete abdominal ultrasound and possible cholecystectomy, with specific questions regarding gallbladder rupture, biliary obstruction, hepatic involvement and comorbidities that might alter the surgical recommendation.
Imaging findings
Textbook stellate pattern, with a central serpiginous echogenic line radiating peripherally through avascular immobile luminal material. Good demonstration for the point that the bulk of the lesion is luminal while the wall stays thin.
Diagnosis
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Gallbladder mucocele
Confirmed
- Species
- Canine
- Breed
- Cocker Spaniel Mix
- Age
- 9 years
- Sex
- Male neutered
- Weight
- 14 kg
- Level
- Radiologist
What happened with the patient
A rupture of the common bile duct was suspected during cholecystectomy. The patient made it through surgery, but clinically declined several hours post-op and was subsequently humanely euthanized.
Key take-home points
Bile peritonitis is not completely ruled out even when bile crystals are not seen in a sample of abdominal effusion in the face of a gallbladder mucocele.
Contributed by
- Oren Ofer
DVM, DVSc, DACVR
25 cases
Educational use only — not clinical advice.
Cite this case
Ofer O. Gallbladder mucocele. Radabase case c784d3d7. Retrieved 2026-09-23 from https://www.radabase.vet/case/c784d3d7-4fea-471f-8c9f-291e4b7ce28a