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FeaturesDecember 15, 2002

jkoch By Dr. John Koch Question: I have just been diagnosed with gallstones and am probably going to need surgery to have them removed. Since I have learned this, I have noticed that my dog has been acting a little strange. We eat a lot of the same foods, drink the same water, and live together literally 24 hours a day. I know this question may sound silly, but I have to know. Is it possible for my dog to also have gallstones?...

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: I have just been diagnosed with gallstones and am probably going to need surgery to have them removed. Since I have learned this, I have noticed that my dog has been acting a little strange. We eat a lot of the same foods, drink the same water, and live together literally 24 hours a day. I know this question may sound silly, but I have to know. Is it possible for my dog to also have gallstones?

Answer: It's possible, but very unlikely. Dogs have different body chemistries than humans and gallstones are exceedingly rare. Most gallstones in humans I am told primarily consist of cholesterol. Normal bile in dogs contains much lower levels of cholesterol than that seen in humans. In addition, dogs have a much better capacity of keeping the cholesterol in their bile in solution so this type of stone is less likely to occur.

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The rare gallstone that does occur in dogs primarily consists of insoluble bile pigments, which is different than those seen in humans. Food could be a factor if you are a vegetarian feeding your pet a diet that is low in protein and fat and high in carbohydrates. This diet is low in taurine, which could contribute to gallstones by precipitating bile pigments. A dog should be fed a good commercial grade of dog food for at least 90 percent of its daily food intake. Table food should comprise no more than 10 percent of the daily intake. If you are feeding as recommended, gallstone formation due to diet is unlikely.

The majority of gallstones that occur do not cause clinical symptoms and surgical removal is usually not necessary.

If your dog is acting a little strange, it could be due to sensing that you are a little upset because of your health problem. Dogs have an uncanny sense of detecting emotional distress in their masters. If you have any doubts about your pet's health, have your veterinarian perform a physical exam.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.

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