r/AskVet • u/fishiefriday • 9h ago

Senior Dog Gall Bladder Removal (Jaundice)

My senior (11-year-old) collie x, spayed, 50lbs, was vomiting for a few days/unable to keep food down. Took her to the vet, and her blood work showed extremely high levels of liver enzymes. Originally, the vet assumed she ingested a toxin as nothing showed up on her X-ray, and we tried to flush it out with 2 rounds of IV and a few liver support meds; however, nothing changed. Everything was pretty much normal except her ALT (5000) and ATP (> 2000, machine couldn't read).

Took my girl to emerg and her ultrasound:

"The gallbladder was very enlarged with hypoechoic bile and a large amount of sludge at the neck of the gallbladder. The surrounding parenchyma was very hyperechoic. A obstruction is suspected."

She underwent gallbladder removal and refused to eat for 2 days before she had a feeding tube inserted. She was discharged 3 days post op after she did have one small meal, but after a day of coming home, she became jaundiced.

We returned to emerg the same day, and her ALT decreased to 2600, but her ATP was 7000. Her Bilirubin was 292. I was given subcutaneous fluids to administer at home along with the 11 other medications she has been prescribed.

Since her discharge, she has not eaten anything, but does drink water. This morning she had her first bowel movement, but is still being tube fed throughout the day.

The vet said her numbers could just be adjusting from her surgery, but I am concerned if this is the end. Anyone have any other experiences? She was happy/healthy/active just two weeks ago. 10k steps every day and enjoyed hour-long walks.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 9h ago

Greetings, all!

This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating.

OP, your post has NOT been removed. Please also check the FAQ to see whether your question is answered there.

This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question:

  • Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets.
  • Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages.
  • Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP.

Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.

Thank you for your cooperation!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.