Yes, dogs can have gallbladder attacks, although they look a bit different from the classic gallstone attacks in people. In dogs, sudden gallbladder trouble is most often caused by a gallbladder mucocele (a gallbladder clogged with thick mucus), inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or a blocked bile duct, and it typically shows up as vomiting, belly pain, loss of appetite, lethargy and sometimes yellowing of the skin and eyes. These problems can become emergencies, so a dog with these signs needs a vet promptly.
Gallstones do occur in dogs but are less common and often cause no symptoms. Pancreatitis, which causes very similar signs, is also covered below, since it often comes up alongside gallbladder disease.
What to do when you think your pup has a gallbladder attack
A gallbladder attack will typically exhibit similar symptoms to those seen in humans, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. If your pup is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for an evaluation and checkup. Your vet will usually run blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound to see what’s going on. Go to an emergency vet if your dog collapses, has a swollen or very painful belly, or keeps vomiting, as a ruptured gallbladder or blocked bile duct is life-threatening. We cover another stomach emergency, including the signs to watch for, in our guide to bloat in dogs. If you've noticed pale or white stool, our article on why dog poop turns white explains the common causes.
Symptoms Of A Gallbladder Attack In Dogs Include:
- Pain in the abdomen or right side of the body (your dog may hunch up or not want to be picked up)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums and whites of the eyes)
In addition to other symptoms, your pup may be struggling with ailments like canine pancreatitis, cholecystitis or gallbladder mucocele. Let’s take a deeper look into what each of these problems mean.
Pancreatitis in dogs
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas – a small organ located in the abdomen, next to the liver and gallbladder, that produces important digestive enzymes. It isn’t a gallbladder disease itself, but its symptoms are very similar, and the two can occur together. This condition can manifest acutely (suddenly) or chronically (gradually). A high-fat meal, such as fatty table scraps, is a common trigger.
Dog Pancreatitis Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
Dog Pancreatitis Treatment
If your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms, a prompt trip to the vet is essential. The treatment often includes hospitalization, IV fluids, anti-nausea and pain medication, and a low-fat diet afterward. Mild cases usually recover well with proper medical care, but severe pancreatitis can be life-threatening, and some dogs have repeat flare-ups.
Cholecystitis In Dogs
Cholecystitis is the medical term used to refer to inflammation of the gallbladder in dogs, an organ tucked between the lobes of the liver which stores bile. This fluid, made by the liver, helps break down and absorb fat during digestion. The inflammation is often caused by a bacterial infection, a blockage, or a mucocele, and it can come on suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic).
Dog Cholecystitis Symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen or right side of the body
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Cholecystitis Dog Treatment
If your pooch is exhibiting any of these signs, get them to the vet swiftly. Antibiotics and pain medication will likely be prescribed as part of the treatment protocol. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is often needed in severe cases, especially if the gallbladder wall is damaged or at risk of rupturing. With prompt medical attention, many dogs recover well.
Gallbladder Mucocele In Dogs
Gallbladder mucocele is one of the most common gallbladder diseases in dogs. It’s a condition where thick, jelly-like mucus builds up in the gallbladder, so bile can’t flow out normally. Over time, the gallbladder can stretch and even rupture, which leaks bile into the belly and is a surgical emergency. A mucocele is not a cancer. It’s most common in middle-aged and older dogs, and breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers and Pomeranians are at higher risk. Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, and high blood fat levels, are also linked to it. Some dogs show no symptoms until the condition is advanced, and it’s often found on an ultrasound.
Gallbladder Mucocele Dogs Symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Gallbladder Mucocele Treatment In Dogs
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it is essential that they be taken to a veterinarian right away. Dogs with symptoms usually need surgery to remove the whole gallbladder (a cholecystectomy). Dogs can live normally without one. Mild cases found by chance, without symptoms, are sometimes managed with medication, a low-fat diet, treatment of any underlying hormonal disease, and repeat ultrasounds, but your vet will weigh the risks with you. Dogs that come through surgery generally have a good long-term outlook.
How to avoid gallbladder issues in dogs?
Not every gallbladder problem can be prevented, but there are certain measures that can lower your pup’s risk:
- Feed a complete, nutritionally balanced diet and avoid fatty table scraps.
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
- Have conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease and diabetes diagnosed and kept under control.
- For at-risk breeds and older dogs, ask your vet about routine blood work, and an ultrasound if liver values are off.
Some owners also give milk thistle or its extracts such as silymarin or silybin to support liver health, but the evidence for preventing gallbladder disease is limited, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.
Conclusion – Can dogs have gallbladder attacks?
In conclusion, yes dogs can suffer from gallbladder issues such as mucocele. As pet owners, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms in order to provide prompt medical care if needed.
Additionally, preventive measures such as a balanced, not-too-fatty diet, a healthy weight and regular check-ups can help lower the risk of future gallbladder problems in dogs. With proper care and attention, your pup should be able to live a long and healthy life!
