Laparoscopic approach to well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder in a dog: a novel case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Primary gallbladder neoplasms are rare in dogs, and the treatment of choice is surgical resection. This report addresses the case of a dog with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder that underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, an approach not previously documented in the literature. The patient presented cholecystitis, biliary concretion, and an area of intramural mineralization in the gallbladder. The patient was monitored and treated for two years due to biliary disease and subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Histopathology concluded that it was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. Chemotherapy was initiated, but there was significant clinical deterioration ten months after the surgical procedure, and the patient was euthanized. Despite the rarity of this tumor in the species and its tendency to mimic biliary diseases, adenocarcinoma should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases involving gallbladder abnormalities. Areas of mineralization and thickening of the gallbladder wall should be investigated and treated promptly. This case demonstrated that the laparoscopic approach may be a viable option for the management of gallbladder neoplasms in dogs.