Clinical and Ultrasonographic Characterization of Gallbladder Wall Edema in Dogs Following Blood Transfusion

초록

Gallbladder wall edema (GBWE) is a nonspecific ultrasonographic finding in dogs associated with various conditions. Although GBWE has been anecdotally observed after blood transfusion, its clinical significance remains unclear. This multicenter retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of GBWE in dogs following blood transfusion. Forty-three dogs that underwent abdominal ultrasonography within seven days before and after transfusion were included and categorized into edema and non-edema groups based on post-transfusion findings. Data collected included signalment, causes of anemia, laboratory values, concurrent medical conditions, transfusion details, and ultrasonographic findings. GBWE developed in 13 of 43 dogs (30.2%). The edema group had significantly more severe anemia both before (p = 0.047) and after (p = 0.007) transfusion, whereas the non-edema group exhibited more pronounced post-transfusion leukocytosis (p = 0.022). Pericholecystic fluid accumulation (p = 0.002) and pericholecystic fat changes (p < 0.001) were significantly more common in the edema group, whereas no significant differences were observed in gallbladder content or common bile duct diameter. No other clinical or transfusion-related variables were significantly different between the groups. All eight dogs with follow-up imaging showed complete (n = 6) or partial (n = 2) resolution of GBWE, with a median follow-up time to complete resolution of 2.5 days. In conclusion, GBWE may develop after blood transfusion and was more frequently identified in dogs with severe anemia. It is a transient and reversible ultrasonographic finding often accompanied by pericholecystic changes, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recently transfused dogs. © The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics.

키워드