Abstract

Background:
Biliary sludge and gallbladder mucocele are commonly identified hepatobiliary disorders in dogs. Although various medical management strategies have been used in clinical practice, evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Alpinia zerumbet, a plant used in traditional medicine, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its potential role in canine hepatobiliary disease has not been well described.

Aim:
This study aimed to describe clinical and ultrasonographic findings in dogs with biliary sludge or gallbladder mucocele receiving a supplement containing Alpinia zerumbet.

Methods:
Medical records of dogs diagnosed with biliary sludge or gallbladder mucocele and receiving a supplement containing A. zerumbet were retrospectively reviewed. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were evaluated to assess temporal changes in gallbladder contents during follow-up. No other medications targeting gallbladder disease were administered during the observation period.

Results:
Fifteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median duration of supplement administration was 5 months (range: 3–11 months). During follow-up examinations, reduction in gallbladder contents was observed in 14 of 15 dogs (93.3%), with a median time to first observation of 6 months (range: 3–11 months).

Conclusion:
This retrospective case series describes serial ultrasonographic observations in dogs with biliary sludge or gallbladder mucocele receiving a supplement containing A. zerumbet. Because of the retrospective design and absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted as descriptive clinical observations rather than evidence of therapeutic efficacy. Prospective controlled studies are warranted to further evaluate the potential role of this supplement in canine gallbladder disease.

Key words: Alpinia zerumbet; Biliary sludge; Gallbladder mucocele; Dog; Ultrasonography.