2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for treatment of gallbladder mucocele ranged in age from 6-14 years old. The most common breeds were mixed (n = 10), Shetland Sheepdog (n = 3), Miniature Schnauzer (n = 2), Pomeranian (n = 2), and Miniature Dachshund (n = 2). Ultrasound was performed in all 29 cases, with 22/29 (76%) exams concluding the appearance of the gallbladder was consistent with a mucocele. Histopathology revealed cystic mucinous hyperplasia in all cases, with associated cholecystitis noted in 13/29(45%) cases. Bacteria were detected by eubacterial FISH in 8/29 (28%) cases. Bacteria were visualized as multifocal clusters of short rods within the mucus (n = 1), adherent to the wall (n = 1), or within the parenchyma (n = 4) in 6/29 (21%) gallbladders. In 2 cases, a single bacterium was observed within the gallbladder parenchyma. Of the 6 cases with multifocal bacteria, 4 had concurrent cholecystitis. Bacterial culture of mucocele contents was positive in only 1/24 cases, yielding moderate growth of Escherichia coli. FISH analysis of this case showed diffuse colonization of mucocele contents and mucosa by E. coli.