Disease overview

Gallbladder mucoceles (GBM) are an inherited disorder of the liver. A mucocele is a severely distended gallbladder due to the accumulation of mucus. Hypersecretion of mucus causes decreased bile flow and motility in the gallbladder, which can lead to inflammation and possible rupture of the gallbladder. GBM presentation is variable, with symptoms commonly seen in other diseases. Disease expression can be influenced by environmental and genetic factors.

Gene name

ABCB4

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance

Signs and symptoms

Signs are typically non-specific and include decreased appetite, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, icterus (yellowing of skin and gums), and abdominal pain.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam and review health history. Diagnosis is difficult without an ultrasound. Genetic testing assists veterinarians with diagnosis, although studies on the association between this disease and a specific genotype have shown contradictory findings.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Mealey KL, Minch JD, White SN, Snekvik KR, Mattoon JS. An insertion mutation in ABCB4 is associated with gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs. Comp Hepatol. 2010 Jul 3;9:6. doi: 10.1186/1476-5926-9-6. PMID: 20598156; PMCID: PMC2904718.

Cullen JM, Willson CJ, Minch JD, Kimbrough CL, Mealey KL. Lack of association of ABCB4 insertion mutation with gallbladder mucoceles in dogs. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2014 May;26(3):434-436. doi: 10.1177/1040638714532099. Epub 2014 Apr 23. PMID: 24760133.

Allerton F, Swinbourne F, Barker L, Black V, Kathrani A, Tivers M, Henriques T, Kisielewicz C, Dunning M, Kent A. Gall bladder mucoceles in Border terriers. J Vet Intern Med. 2018 Sep;32(5):1618-1628. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15249. Epub 2018 Aug 5. PMID: 30079451; PMCID: PMC6189338.

Parkanzky M, Grimes J, Schmiedt C, Secrest S, Bugbee A. Long-term survival of dogs treated for gallbladder mucocele by cholecystectomy, medical management, or both. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Sep;33(5):2057-2066. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15611. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31490022; PMCID: PMC6766501.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.