Computed Tomographic Features of Gallbladder Agenesis in a Golden Retriever

Abstract

A two-year-old, intact female Golden Retriever had previously been diagnosed with a portosystemic shunt (PSS) during an ultrasonographic examination at a local animal hospital. The serum biochemistry revealed elevated liver enzymes and bile acid levels. The abdominal radiographic examination revealed mild serosal detail loss and microhepatica, while abdominal ultrasonography revealed mild ascites and high-velocity flow to the caudal vena cava (CVC) suspected as a PSS. The gallbladder was not observed within the hepatic parenchyma during ultrasonography. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an absent gallbladder and dilation of the common bile duct (CBD). Dilations of the gastroduodenal, splenic, colic and renal veins were also observed. A dilated left phrenico-abdominal vein that entered the CVC was previously misinterpreted as a PSS on the ultrasound examination. Based on the imaging examinations, the dog was diagnosed with congenital gallbladder agenesis associated CBD dilation.