Bile Duct Obstruction in Dogs
Bile, a bitter, high alkaline fluid that is secreted by the liver, serves important functions in the digestion and removal of waste materials from the body. Once bile has been formed in the liver, it is passed into the gallbladder, where it is held until food is digested. It is then released into the small intestine, both to aid in the digestion of food and to emulsify the food so that it can be used appropriately by the body, or carried out of the body as waste.
Cholestasis is a term used to denote a condition in which obstruction of the bile duct prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum (a part of small intestine). Cholestasis can occur due to number of underlying diseases, including diseases of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Miniature schnauzers and Shetland sheepdogs are predisposed to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and are incidentally at higher risk for developing cholestasis. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and older dogs, but otherwise, this can be found in both male and female dogs.
Symptoms and Types
Symptoms will vary depending upon the underlying disease that is responsible for this condition. Following are several of the symptoms related to this disease:
– Progressive tiredness
– Jaundice
– Polyphagia (excessive hunger and consumption of food)
– Bleeding disorders
– Weight loss
– Pale colored stools
– Orange urine
Causes
This problem can be associated with a number of diseases. Following are few of the causes that can lead to cholestasis:
– Cholelithiasis (stones in gallbladder/gallstones)
– Neoplasia – abnormal growth of tissue, may be malignant or benign
– Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
– Parasitic infestation
– Blunt trauma
– Side effect following abdominal surgery
Diagnosis
You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have preceded this condition, such as trauma to the body. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues as to which organs are causing secondary symptoms.
Laboratory tests will include complete blood tests, a biochemistry panel, and urinalysis. These tests will reveal abnormalities related to the underlying disease, if there is one, as well as abnormalities that are due to the bile duct obstruction itself.
For information purposes only.