Imaging aspects of emphysematous hepatitis and cholecystitis in a dog: case report

Authors

  • Mariana Beatriz Rocha Sobrinho Programa de Pós-Graduação Uniprofissional em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3321-6593
  • Marian Acácia Fornazier Magalhães Programa de Pós-Graduação Uniprofissional em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8362-0150
  • Bruna Candelori de Leva Resende Programa de Pós-Graduação Uniprofissional em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6151-4464
  • Gabriel Sousa Santos Programa de Pós-Graduação Uniprofissional em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9398-0193
  • Vanessa Martins Fayad Milken Professora titular de Diagnóstico por Imagem da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3805-3576

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26605/medvet-v19n4-7703

Keywords:

radiography, ultrasonography, acute emphysematous disease, gallbladder rupture, bacterial multidrug resistance

Abstract

Aimed to report a clinical case of a dog, male, 10-year-old, weighing 5,55kg, with emphysematous hepatitis and cholecystitis with a history of coughing and continuous use of corticosteroids, accompanied by polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Radiographic examination revealed gaseous content superimposed on the hepatic parenchyma and gallbladder. Ultrasonographic evaluation showed a hyperechoic hepatic parenchyma with increased dimensions and heterogeneous echotexture. The gallbladder displayed thickened walls and slight intraluminal gaseous content, along with peritoneal effusion and reactive mesentery, raising suspicion of gallbladder rupture. This diagnosis was confirmed during exploratory laparotomy, during which the patient succumbed. During surgery, purulent material was visible in liver tissue, which was collected and sent for culture and antibiogram, with the consequent isolation of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. The diagnosis of emphysematous hepatitis is difficult due to the subtle and non-specific clinical signs, when present. Finally, the report highlights the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, complicating patient management and recovery.

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References

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Sobrinho, M. B. R., Magalhães, M. A. F., Resende, B. C. de L., Santos, G. S., & Milken , V. M. F. (2025). Imaging aspects of emphysematous hepatitis and cholecystitis in a dog: case report. Medicina Veterinária, 19(4), 322–329. https://doi.org/10.26605/medvet-v19n4-7703

Issue

Section

Small Animal Clinic and Surgery

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