Concurrent Gallbladder Mucocele and Chronic Hepatitis In A Female Siberian Husky: A Case Report

Abstract

A five-year-old, 23-kg, female Siberian Husky was presented to Clínica Vet D´Pelos, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico, with acute jaundice,  persistent vomiting, and loss of appetite. Gallbladder mucocele and chronic hepatitis are important hepatobiliary disorders in dogs.  Their concurrent presentation may complicate clinical interpretation and diagnosis. Physical examination revealed jaundiced mucous  membranes and general weakness without abdominal pain. Haematological analysis indicated severe leukocytosis with neutrophilia and  a left shift, which was consistent with a systemic inflammatory response. Biochemical profiling revealed conjugated hyperbilirubinemia  and marked elevation of hepatic enzyme activities, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST),  gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as hypoalbuminemia, hypocholesterolemia, and electrolyte  disturbances, indicative of obstructive cholestasis and hepatocellular insufficiency. Urinalysis demonstrated bilirubinuria and abundant  bile pigment. Ultrasound imaging revealed diffuse liver disease, with no evidence of biliary obstruction. Immunological testing by  microagglutination for the detection of anti-Leptospira antibodies yielded negative results. Histopathology results confirmed the presence  of a mature vesicular mucocele with cystic hyperplasia of the epithelium, mucin accumulation, and obliteration of the vesicular lumen.  Chronic hepatitis with a portal inflammatory infiltrate, biliary proliferation and bile pigment accumulation was observed in the liver.  These findings suggested a mixed hepatobiliary disease process, in which the gallbladder mucocele acted as the primary obstructive  factor and trigger for secondary liver inflammation.