Gall Bladder Symptoms for Dogs

The gall bladder is a small organ that aids digestion. It is very close to the liver and its function is to drain the bile that the liver produces and store it. The gall bladder concentrates the bile and releases it via the bile duct into the small intestine where it helps break down fats. The organ can become infected, blocked, inflamed or ruptured. Gall bladder symptoms for dogs vary.

  1. Vomiting

    • Vomiting is an early indication of a blocked, inflamed or infected gall bladder. Because gall bladder function is inhibited, the digestive system does not function correctly and this causes the dog to vomit. If your dog frequently vomits after eating, consult your vet immediately. Vomit that contains undigested food may indicate gall bladder illness.

    Frequent Urination

    • According to veterinarian Mike Richards, gall bladder problems can have a knock on effect on to other parts of the digestive system, such as the liver. Symptoms associated with diminished liver function include frequent urination and excessive water intake. These symptoms are quite general and could point to a number of other problems, but if you identify them alongside frequent vomiting and tenderness around the abdomen, it could be a sign of gall bladder problems.

    Lack of Appetite

    • Any health problem that causes digestive problems normally results in a reduced or nonexistent appetite. A loss of interest in food is a rather general symptom caused by a wide variety of health problems. If your dog shows signs of abdominal pain and vomits it could be symptomatic of a gall bladder infection.

    Jaundice

    • Jaundice is relatively easy to spot in humans because of the discoloration of the skin, normally presented as yellowing. In dogs, it's harder to spot as the discoloration is underneath the fur. Examine the eyes for yellowing of the white parts and examine the gums as jaundice manifests itself in soft tissue.

    Fever

    • If your dog is unwell, it is always a good idea to take its temperature. The most accurate way of doing so is with a rectal thermometer. Your dog's normal rectal temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over this temperature is as a fever.

    Abdominal Discomfort

    • In cases of an inflamed or ruptured the gall bladder, acute abdominal pain is normal. If your dog is reluctant to lie on its belly or yelps when you touch the abdomen, this could be a sign of gall bladder problems. Always consult your vet.