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Treatment

If the condition of your dog is not life threatening or severe, outpatient care may include antibiotics, or medication to dissolve gallstones. For the more serious, critical complications, inpatient care will be required. During diagnostic and presurgical evaluations, restoring fluid and electrolyte balances as necessary, and monitoring electrolytes frequently, will be essential in the early phase of treatment for stabilizing the dog. Other treatments that may be indicated are intravenous fluids, plasma (if indicated), whole blood transfusion -- for dogs with bleeding tendencies, or for dogs that have lost blood, internally or externally.

If your veterinarian finds that surgery will be needed, a gallbladder resection may be recommended. Urine output will be monitored as part of evaluating the body's ability to restore and retain fluids. Remain vigilant for slowed heartbeat, drop in blood pressure, and cardiac arrest when biliary structures are manipulated. Atropine may be required to slow or prevent the organs from responding to nerve stimulation, and to slow down secretions.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe the following drugs: presurgery antibiotics, medication to dissolve gallstones, and Vitamin K1.

Living and Management

Physical examinations and pertinent diagnostic testing will be prescribed by your veterinarian -- repeating every two to four weeks until normal results are regular. Be prepared for possible complications, or recurrences, and be vigilant of your pet during the healing stage. A ruptured biliary tract (bile system) and/or peritonitis may protract the dog's recovery.