CASE 25

SIGNALMENT: 14-year-old female (spayed) Burmese HISTORY: Initial complaint was vomiting with blood noted in the vomitus. Radiographs taken by the referring veterinarian showed radio-opacities in the region of the gall bladder or stomach. (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Ventrodorsal radiograph showing multiple radio-opacities in the region of the gall bladder.

Figure 2 Appearance of the stones removed from the gall bladder.

DIAGNOSIS: Endoscopic evaluation by another veterinarian failed to demonstrate foreign bodies within the lumen of the stomach and a diagnosis of gall bladder stones was made. Pre-surgical blood workup included serum bile acids (elevated post-prandial value 3 X normal) and clotting profile (normal). TREATMENT: Surgical removal of the gall stones was done via ventral midline celiotomy and incision into the gall bladder after mobilization and retraction.

Multiple gall stones (>7) were retrieved varying in size from less 1 mm to 3 mm in size. The stones were of a smooth consistency and black (Figure 2). Stone analysis was done, as well as cytology and culture from the gall bladder. The stones were ammonium urate, no abnormalities were noted on cytology and culture was negative for bacterial growth. The cat was discharged to her owner four days post operatively.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

Thank you to Dr. Max. Rust of Animal Care Center, and to Dr. Tom McCoy at Harvard Avenue Veterinary Hospital for this referral.

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