Delayed clinical symptoms of gallbladder rupture by gallbladder mucocele in a dog

An 11-year-old, intact male Cocker Spaniel dog was presented with history of abdominal distension, dyspnea for 10 days and lethargy for 1 day. Abdominal radiographs showed decreased serosal detail with abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasounds revealed gallbladder mucocele with generalized peritonitis showing stellate-like sludge in the gallbladder with echogenic fat degeneration of cranial abdomen and abdominal free fluid containing echogenic materials. Loss of gallbladder wall integrity was shown clearly on computed tomography but ambiguously on ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was performed and showed amount of yellowish-bloody peritoneal fluid with vegetable matter and mucoid substance. On peritoneal fluid analysis, bilirubin level was elevated over three times than those of the serum. On exploratory laparotomy, gallbladder rupture and generalized bile peritonitis with intestinal adhesions were confirmed and cholecystectomy with peritoneal lavage was performed. One day after operation, patient died. This report describes delayed clinical symptoms of gallbladder rupture by gallbladder mucocele. In addition, this is the first case report using computed tomography made a diagnosis gallbladder rupture in a dog. Computed tomography might be helpful to diagnose gallbladder rupture.