Abstract
The gallbladder was temporarily drained using a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube in three dogs and two cats with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction. Their general conditions were extremely poor. In all cases, there was an immediate decrease in the total bilirubin and liver enzyme values that were elevated preoperatively. Since the general condition of four animals improved, cholecystectomies were performed at later dates and their prognosis had become favorable. In the remaining case, despite a rapid decline in the levels of total bilirubin and liver enzyme values after surgery, there was no improvement in the general condition, and the animal eventually died. This method has various advantages, such as being relatively less invasive, since it does not approach the duodenal side, and allows for the regular and effective removal of bile. It also had limitations, such as the need for two surgeries, including the removal of the drain for permanent treatment and home management. If these can be offset, this method may show potential as a permanent cure or for the management of extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction.
