Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis refers to the formation of stones—solid deposits of varying composition—within the gallbladder or the bile ducts. These stones can range from tiny grains to larger masses, and they form when components of bile crystallise over time. In many dogs and cats, gallstones cause no noticeable signs and are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated concerns. When signs do appear, they often relate to obstruction or inflammation. An owner may observe vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort, or a yellowing of the gums and whites of the eyes. The timing and pattern of signs can vary widely depending on whether a stone remains静止 in the gallbladder or moves into a bile duct. This page explores what gallstones may look like in practice, the mechanisms that lead to their formation, the investigations used to identify and characterise them, and the range of approaches—from monitoring to surgical removal—that may be considered depending on the individual animal's circumstances.