Dog with gallstones what do you to treat the dog?

Medical Treatment for Gallbladder Stones in Dogs

1. Surgery. The most common way to treat gallbladder stones is simply to remove the gallbladder with a surgical procedure called a cholecystectomy. This can be done with traditional open surgery or with a laparoscopic procedure, in which a few small incisions are made in the abdomen and a camera and surgical tools are inserted. Surgery is usually curative for gallbladder stones, but there are risks associated with it, such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications.

2. Medical Dissolution Therapy. Your vet may recommend a special liquid diet and certain other medications to dissolve gallstones. This can take many months, and the success of this method may vary depending on the composition and size of the gallstones.

3. Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is an oral drug that has been shown to help dissolve cholesterol stones in some dogs. It helps dissolve cholesterol gallstones by increasing bile production and decreasing cholesterol absorption. UDCA is given once or twice daily with meals.

4. Shock Wave Lithotripsy. This procedure involves the use of sound waves to break up gallbladder stones into smaller pieces that can then be passed through the common bile duct and out of the body. This procedure may not be suitable for all types of gallbladder stones.

5. Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC). If there is an obstruction in the common bile duct, a PTC procedure may be performed to relieve the obstruction. A small needle is inserted through the liver and into the common bile duct, and then contrast dye is injected to visualize the obstruction. Once the obstruction is visualized, a stent or balloon may be inserted to dilate the duct.

It's important to note that the best course of treatment for a dog with gallbladder stones will depend on several factors, such as the size, composition of the stones, the age and overall health status of the dogs. Consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate treatment approach for your dog.