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Gallstones
Mineral deposits (choleliths) forming in the gallbladder from bile components.
Key Facts
- Made of cholesterol, bilirubin, bile acids, and calcium
- Many pets have gallstones with no symptoms
- Can cause cholecystitis and cholangitis if they block bile ducts
- Ruptured gallbladder is a life-threatening emergency
- Only 50% of gallstones visible on X-rays
- Ultrasound is primary diagnostic tool
- Ursodiol and SAMe may be prescribed for liver protection