gall bladder stones

[dewey]

My rabbit, Dewey, had an x-ray today and they found several gall stones.  Anyone have any experience with this?  He goes in for an ultrasound tomorrow.  The ultrasound should give more detail about the stones and condition of his kidneys (he has chronic kidney condition) and it will help us figure out what to do next.  

There were no dramatic signs but just little things and since he already has some other health issues, I watch him pretty carefully.  So, he is not in bad shape at this point.  I looked on the internet but didn’t really see anything about treatment.  I know I will learn tomorrow, but just wondered. 

[dewey]

Update:  Ultrasound revealed two stones leaving the gall bladder.  Vet does not want to use medication help the stones move through his system b/c if they get stuck, its emergency surgery to save the rabbit.  The other option is surgery.  Basically they will remove his gall bladder.  Vet made no recommendations b/c of Dewey’s situation and rabbit sensitivity in general.  Rabbits are pretty sensitive and putting them to sleep is always a risk.  Dewey has chronic kidney disease and although his kidneys looked good on the ultrasound….it is still a lingering issue.  Finally, the vet isn’t sure whether the weight loss is due to his gall bladder or kidneys.  They also found a spot on his intestines that is slightly thickened.  It is not malignant from what they see, but it is usually secondary to kidney problems or gall bladder problems.  And that too could cause the issue of weight loss independent of the kidney or gallbladder.

My spouse and are going to think about it.  Dewey has lost about one pound which for a five pound bunny is quiet a bit.  Not sure how long he will have to live if we don’t do surgery.  But then surgery is necessarily the answer either.  

I guess this is pretty unusual for bunnies, but then Dewey has always been one-of-a-kind!

[LBJ10]

Sorry, no experience with this. I wasn’t aware this could become a problem in rabbits. You’ll have to keep us updated.

[Flanyb]

I wish my best to your little Dewey, surggery is never an easy decision even when it is necessary. But personnaly I would do anything possible for my baby Flash…

[dewey]

Update: Surgery and Biopsy Results

We had Dewey’s gallbladder removed on Monday and he survived the surgery! Vet said the gallbladder looked bad and lots of grit in it. Also found only one stone and it was so big, you could feel it with finger as hand brushed over duct. Dewey wasn’t eating/pooping after surgery. Took hay and his favorite veg for visit to the vet. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he looked and moved normally. He ate and pooped during visit!

Here’s the weird part…the biopsy results. The gall stone in the duct b/w liver and gallbladder was a parasitic worm encapsulated in hard substance. Yup, Dewey has an infestation of a rare parasitic worm in his gut. Vet said no reports of this parasite recently that he can find. He thinks Dewey has had worms before we adopted him. Reminded me that Dewey had V.D. when he was surrendered to the rescue. So, maybe he had parasite then?

They think the worm somehow made its way to Dewey’s liver and with the hard shell surrounding the worm, got lodged in duct b/w liver and gallbladder. That “stone” in the duct, they think, set off the gallbladder.

Wow! A bit gross, but fascinating. I am still hoping all of this info will put an end to his pain and his appetite will return.

Here’s hoping this info may help someone else in the future!

[LBJ10]

Oh wow! That is so interesting. Obviously, not good for your bun. But very interesting nonetheless. I’m glad the surgery went well and they were able to figure out what the real problem is. Like I said, I had never heard of gallstones being a problem in rabbits. I never would have imagined it was a parasite! Yikes! My guess is that he has had the worms for some time. Poor thing. At least he can get better now. He’s so lucky to have been adopted by such a dedicated owner.

[Author]

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