⚠️ Vet Emergency 2025: Biliary Mucocele in Dogs — Why Surgery Can’t Wait

In middle-aged and senior dogs, sudden vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and abdominal pain can point to a silent but deadly threat: biliary mucocele. I’m Dr Duncan Houston, and in this detailed 2025 guide, I’ll help you understand how this gallbladder emergency unfolds, why early diagnosis and surgery are critical, and how to ensure the best outcome for your dog. 🐾

1. What Is a Biliary Mucocele? 🟢

A biliary mucocele is an accumulation of thick, sludgy mucus in the gallbladder. Unlike normal liquid bile, this gooey material can’t drain through the bile ducts, leading to dangerous blockages. Left untreated, the gallbladder may rupture, spilling bile into the abdomen and turning a manageable illness into a surgical crisis. 🔥

On ultrasound, mucoceles have a distinct appearance—often described as resembling a “kiwi fruit.” If your vet mentions a “kiwi gallbladder,” immediate action is needed. 🥝

2. Symptoms to Watch For 🐶

Dogs with biliary mucoceles often show nonspecific symptoms at first:

• 🚫 Loss of appetite
• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 😴 Lethargy
• 🌡️ Fever
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow gums, skin, or eyes)
• 🐾 Abdominal pain or distention

These signs overlap with many illnesses—but if your dog is middle-aged or older, gallbladder disease should be high on the differential diagnosis list. ⏳

3. The Role of the Gallbladder and Biliary System 💚

The liver produces bile to help digest fats and remove toxins. This bile flows through ducts into the gallbladder, which stores it until needed. When your dog eats, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the intestines via the common bile duct. 💧

A mucocele forms when this flow is blocked by excess mucus. Pressure builds. If the gallbladder ruptures, toxic bile spills into the abdomen—a situation called bile peritonitis, which requires emergency surgery. ⚠️

4. What Causes Biliary Mucoceles?

The exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors are linked:

• Endocrine disease like Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pancreatitis — concurrent inflammation can impact bile flow
• Altered fat metabolism — affects gallbladder contraction
• Breed predispositions: 🐶 Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds

Cushing’s syndrome increases mucocele risk by 29 times. Dogs with hormonal imbalances need close monitoring. 🧬

5. Diagnosing the Condition

5.1 Blood Tests

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Increased bilirubin (indicates jaundice)
• Electrolyte imbalances

5.2 Abdominal Ultrasound

This is the key to diagnosis. Look for:

• Thickened gallbladder wall
• Non-moving, echogenic sludge (mucus)
• “Kiwi fruit” pattern inside the gallbladder

Ultrasound also reveals bile duct obstruction, gallbladder rupture, or co-occurring pancreatitis—factors that help surgeons plan interventions. 🖥️

6. Surgical Treatment: Cholecystectomy 🔪

Removing the gallbladder—called a cholecystectomy—is the gold-standard treatment. It’s most successful when performed before rupture. Once the gallbladder bursts, the risk of septic shock and complications increases significantly.

Survival Rates:

• ⏱️ Before rupture: 75–80%
• ⚠️ After rupture: 25–40%

Not all general practitioners perform this surgery. Referral to a specialist or surgical center is often advised. Post-op hospitalization and IV support are standard. 🏥

7. Life Without a Gallbladder

Dogs do well post-surgery. The liver continues to produce bile, which drips continuously into the intestines. Long-term effects are minimal for most pets. 🐕✅

Some dogs need long-term liver support medications or low-fat diets, but many resume a full and happy life. 💊🥩

8. When Medical Management Is Considered

Occasionally, a mucocele is found incidentally during imaging for another condition. If the dog is stable and asymptomatic, treatment may include:

• Low-fat diet
• Liver support supplements
• Choleretics like ursodiol to help thin bile

Warning: Once symptoms start, relying on medical therapy alone is risky. The goopy bile mass rarely resolves on its own. Regular ultrasound monitoring is essential. 🧪

9. Ask A Vet: Expert Help at Critical Times 🆘

Worried your dog may be jaundiced or in pain? Confused about what bloodwork means? Ask A Vet offers immediate access to licensed veterinarians. We help you interpret test results, understand next steps, and even guide emergency care decisions. 📲💡

Download the Ask A Vet app for peace of mind and timely guidance. A gallbladder emergency can escalate quickly—don’t face it alone. 🐶❤️

10. Summary Table

11. Final Thoughts

In dogs, a biliary mucocele is a ticking time bomb. While early signs may appear vague, jaundice and imaging findings should never be ignored. With early surgery, dogs can recover beautifully and lead long, healthy lives. 🐕‍🦺

As Dr Duncan Houston, I urge you—if your dog is ill and jaundiced, ask your vet about an ultrasound right away. Timing can save a life.

For real-time support and expert review, visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet app. We’re here to help, especially when every minute matters. 🕐💙