Case Study: Severe Biliary Tract Obstruction

Severe Biliary Tract Obstruction

Earlier this year, Freckles - an aptly named dalmatian - presented to VSS Underwood's Emergency team after a weekend of increasing lethargy, reduced appetite and vomiting.

Freckles's condition required a team effort at our Underwood hospital. Firstly, Dr Lauren Stack from the emergency team examined Freckles and he was admitted to hospital for stabilisation and initial diagnostics, revealing a hepatopathy and pancreatitis (abnormalities with his liver and pancreas).

Further investigation was undertaken with the aid of Internal Medicine Registrar, Dr Gemma Spinoglio, including a CT scan, revealing a severe biliary tract obstruction. Bile is produced by the liver and transported to the intestines via the biliary duct to aid in digestion of food. Obstruction to the biliary tract can be life threatening and hence treatment was started immediately.

Occasionally, this disease can be responsive to medical management, but unfortunately, Freckles's symptoms continued to worsen, and he ultimately required surgical intervention. Surgical Resident, Dr Cormac O'Brolchain performed exploratory abdominal surgery and a choledochal stent was placed. This aids in treating the obstruction by restoring the flow of the bile through the duct.

Freckles still had a lot of work to do, but with a committed owner and a multidisciplinary team approach at VSS, he was nursed back to health and is now home, loving life again.