Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder. This is commonly performed in people with gallbladder disease such as inflammation, infection, or mucocele formation. Gallbladder mucoceles also occur in dogs, and if progressive can form life-threatening bile obstructions or rupture, requiring emergency surgery. In people, using a fluorescent imaging agent during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been associated with improvements in surgical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate whether indocyanine green (ICG) can improve visualization of the biliary tree in dogs and report on the peri-operative and short-term outcomes of dogs who undergo this procedure.

Eligibility:

• dogs with a non-obstructive gallbladder mucocele diagnosed via imaging (abdominal ultrasound or CT scan) and bloodwork (CBC/chemistry)
• able to visit Penn Vet twice in two weeks
• no known allergy or adverse reaction to iodides or indocyanine green

This study covers the cost of surgery, anesthesia, and a follow-up exam with bloodwork 2 weeks after surgery.

Contact:

For more information, please contact the VCIC at vcic@vet.upenn.edu or 215-573-0302.