Characteristics and outcomes of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for diseases other than a mature gallbladder mucocele: a retrospective cohort study.

Cholecystectomy for non-mucocele gallbladder disease shows improved short-term outcomes with lower mortality.

This retrospective cohort study examined 256 dogs undergoing cholecystectomy, comparing outcomes between those with mature gallbladder mucoceles (M-GBM; n=69) and other gallbladder diseases (non-M-GBM; n=187) from 2018-2025. M-GBM dogs were significantly older (11.0 vs 8.7 years) with elevated inflammatory markers (WBC, neutrophils) and hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP). Notably, 14-day mortality was significantly lower in the non-M-GBM cohort (3.2% vs 8.7%). Clinical improvement occurred in 83.7% of non-M-GBM dogs, with concurrent pancreatic and intestinal abnormalities frequently observed. Cholecystectomy proved safe across both groups. These findings suggest that cholecystectomy may be a valuable surgical option beyond mucocele management, particularly for other gallbladder pathologies, which demonstrated improved short-term outcomes. The study supports expanded consideration of cholecystectomy in non-mucocele gallbladder disease with favorable safety and efficacy profiles.

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