Unravelling Gallbladder Disease in Border Terriers

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Researchers:

Katie McCallum – Associate Teaching Professor in Small Animal Medicine

Barbara Skelly – Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine

Unravelling Gallbladder Disease in Border Terriers: Does Biliary Sludge Progress to Mucocoeles?

Border Terriers are at markedly increased risk of gallbladder mucocoeles (GBM), a serious condition caused by accumulation of thickened bile that can lead to obstruction, gallbladder rupture, and lifethreatening complications. Emerging evidence suggests that biliary sludge (BS)—a common finding in many dogs—may not always be incidental, but instead part of a disease continuum that progresses to GBM. Shared features between BS and GBM, including abnormal bile composition, impaired gallbladder motility, and mucus overproduction, support this theory. Importantly, nongravity dependent sludge (NDBS) and increasing sludge volume appear to carry a higher risk of progression, particularly in predisposed breeds such as Border Terriers.

This study aims to investigate how commonly BS occurs in older Border Terriers and whether it predicts progression to GBM over time. By prospectively monitoring dogs with and without sludge over a 24month period using ultrasound and gallbladder function testing, the research will help identify early markers of disease risk. The findings could enable earlier intervention, inform screening recommendations, and support development of preventative treatments—ultimately reducing the need for emergency surgery and improving outcomes for this highrisk breed. Additionally, these dogs will undergo a cheek swab for DNA analysis to assess whether there is a genetic basis to this condition.