What are the medical options for mucocoeles? First, one must identify those animals whose gall bladder mucocoeles are suitable for medical management because medical therapy of mature “kiwi fruit” mucocoeles may result in substantial morbidity and even mortality. After selecting the appropriate cases, one should next look for co-morbidities (especially endocrine) that are believed to increase the risk of mucocoele, and if found need to be treated. Finally, choleretics (especially high doses of ursodeoxycholic acid) are used to help liquify the gall bladder contents, must like a diet designed to dissolve uroliths.

When and how should we intervene surgically with mucocoeles? This talk compliments the medical perspective regarding treatment of this disease and tries to explore some of the challenges in decision making that surgeons can face when managing this interesting condition. This talk will be available in the BSAVA Library until May 2023.