My senior cat has gallbladder issues: surgery or medication?

Question

I’m having difficult time making decision regarding 13 year old cat She has never had health issues Recently noticed weight loss Took her to vet did scans/ultrasound Found mass in gallbladder Did all her blood work etc everything came back neg & all look good Pancreas a bit elevated Vet thinks it gallbladder stones or sludge Two choices-exploratory surgery or start ursodiol. Weighs 4lbs Could not find previous weight so not sure what she lost Surgery tomorrow AM or meds? Worried w/age &recovery. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 13 years and 6 months old | 4 lbs

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

Without having examined Roxy myself, and without seeing her ultrasound images and lab results, it’s a bit tough to advise you. I will say that gall bladder surgery is considered quite a major procedure in cats and dogs, unlike in people where it borders on routine. I almost always try a medical approach first, usually ursidiol and perhaps and antibiotic chosen based on culture of the bile, and sometimes even steroid medications, in these guys, before recommending surgery. I hope your vet has given you some guidance regarding prognosis. I always refer patients for gall bladder surgery to a boarded surgeon, since it’s very delicate and can be quite challenging for someone who hasn’t done them often. I would advise that you reconnect with your vet and discuss the possibility of a brief trial - maybe 2 weeks - of medical management before surgery, to see if that might be a Workable compromise.

My senior cat has gallbladder issues: surgery or medication?

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