🟡 Vet Guide 2025: Gallstones in Dogs and Cats — Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Surgical Treatment

Gallstones—also known as choleliths—aren’t just a human issue. Though relatively uncommon in pets, when they do appear, they can range from harmless to life-threatening. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll look at how gallstones form, signs they might be causing trouble, how we diagnose them, and what options exist for treatment. 🐶🐱

1. What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard, stone-like masses that form inside the gallbladder from the components of bile—such as cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, and bile acids. 🪨

Normally, bile flows from the liver to the intestines through the gallbladder and bile duct to aid digestion. If the flow is disrupted, gallstones can form and, in rare cases, block the duct or rupture the gallbladder. 😱

2. Why Do Gallstones Form?

Veterinary science still doesn’t fully understand why gallstones develop, but common contributors include:

• 🔥 Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
• 🩺 Abnormal bile composition
• ⬆️ High cholesterol or calcium levels
• 💊 Certain diseases affecting fat metabolism
• ⛔ Conditions that reduce normal bile flow (e.g., liver disease)

3. Are Gallstones Dangerous?

It depends. Some gallstones are “silent” and cause no symptoms. Others can trigger severe complications, such as:

• 🤢 Vomiting, diarrhea, or poor appetite
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow gums, eyes, or skin)
• 🔥 Gallbladder inflammation or infection
• 🚫 Bile duct obstruction
• 💥 Gallbladder rupture — a life-threatening emergency

4. Symptoms of Gallstones in Pets

Signs vary depending on severity and complications:

• ⚠️ Weakness, lethargy, or fainting
• 🥱 Decreased energy and interest in food
• 🌡️ Fever and abdominal discomfort
• 🟨 Yellow discoloration (jaundice)
• 💩 Pale or greasy stool

Pets may show no symptoms until serious damage occurs. That’s why gallstones are sometimes discovered incidentally during imaging or bloodwork. 🧪

5. Diagnosing Gallstones

A diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, and diagnostics, including:

5.1 Physical Exam

• 👨‍⚕️ Check for tenderness in the upper right abdomen
• 👂 Listening for abnormal gut sounds

5.2 Bloodwork

• 🧬 Elevated liver enzymes (especially ALT, ALP)
• 🟡 Increased bilirubin levels
• 💉 Abnormal cholesterol, calcium, or white blood cell count

5.3 Imaging

• 🩻 X-rays: Only detect ~50% of stones (depending on density)
• 🧫 Ultrasound: Best tool for seeing gallstones, bile duct obstruction, and gallbladder swelling
• 🥤 Bile sampling: In rare cases, used to evaluate bile chemistry or infection

6. Treatment Options

6.1 Watchful Waiting (If Asymptomatic)

If no symptoms are present, and bloodwork is stable, your vet may recommend regular monitoring:

• 📆 Repeat ultrasounds every 6–12 months
• 🧪 Periodic bloodwork
• 💊 Liver support supplements like SAMe, silybin, or ursodiol

6.2 Medical Management (If Mild Symptoms)

• 🧴 Ursodiol: Promotes bile flow and reduces inflammation
• 🛡️ SAMe: Supports liver detoxification
• 💊 Antibiotics: If infection is suspected

6.3 Surgical Treatment (If Complicated)

Surgery is required if gallstones are causing blockage, severe inflammation, or rupture:

• 🧬 Cholecystectomy = removal of the gallbladder
• 🚨 Emergency surgery if rupture occurs
• 🏥 Hospitalization and intensive care are common post-op

7. Risks of Gallbladder Surgery

Surgery is lifesaving—but not risk-free:

• 💧 Bile leakage into the abdomen = severe inflammation and sepsis
• 💉 Anesthesia risks in unstable pets
• 📆 Post-op care needed for 5–10 days in some cases

8. Prognosis

• ✅ Asymptomatic pets with stable gallstones usually do well long-term
• ⚠️ Pets with obstructions or rupture have a guarded prognosis, depending on timing of treatment

9. Prevention Tips

• 🥗 Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• 📉 Avoid excessive weight gain or high-fat foods
• 💧 Encourage hydration
• 🔍 Monitor pets with liver issues or chronic inflammation

10. Ask A Vet: 24/7 Advice for Gallbladder Concerns

Not sure if your pet’s vomiting or jaundice could be gallstones? Use Ask A Vet to speak directly with licensed veterinarians who can interpret labs, recommend diet changes, and explain surgical options. 📱🩺

11. Summary Table

12. Final Thoughts

Gallstones can be silent hitchhikers—or they can become medical emergencies. Early detection and regular checkups can prevent a crisis. If your pet is showing signs of gallbladder distress or has been diagnosed with stones, don’t wait. Proper monitoring and timely treatment could save their life. 🩺🐶🐱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Have questions? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app to get personalized support for your pet’s liver and gallbladder health. 💙