The liver damage and obstructions of the biliary tract were evaluated ultrasonographically in experimentally bile duct ligated dogs. Seven healthy dogs of different breeds were used. The common bile duct was double ligated at the duodenal region after clinical and ultrasonographic examinations. After that, clinical examinations, biochemical analyses and examinations of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract were done ultrasonographically over 6 weeks. All dogs were necropsied and macroscopic and histologic alterations were determined at the end of the study. It was determined that the levels of serum ALT, ALP, GGT and T. Bilirubin were (p < 0.001-0.05) statistically significantly increased after the operation in all dogs. As a result of ultrasonographic examinations, it was determined that the bile ducts and gallbladder were distended, the neck of the gallbladder was larger and more tortuous than normal, hypoechoic sludge was prominent in the gallbladder, and perivascular, multifocal hyperechoic areas appeared in the liver parenchyma toward the end of the study. These alterations were confirmed macroscopically and microscopically at the end of the autopsy in all dogs. We consider that as well as blood serum parameters, ultrasonographic examinations are useful in the early diagnosis of biliary diseases and in differentiating them from hepatic diseases.

The liver damage and obstructions of the biliary tract were evaluated ultrasonographically in experimentally bile duct ligated dogs. Seven healthy dogs of different breeds were used. The common bile duct was double ligated at the duodenal region after clinical and ultrasonographic examinations. After that, clinical examinations, biochemical analyses and examinations of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract were done ultrasonographically over 6 weeks. All dogs were necropsied and macroscopic and histologic alterations were determined at the end of the study. It was determined that the levels of serum ALT, ALP, GGT and T. Bilirubin were (p < 0.001-0.05) statistically significantly increased after the operation in all dogs. As a result of ultrasonographic examinations, it was determined that the bile ducts and gallbladder were distended, the neck of the gallbladder was larger and more tortuous than normal, hypoechoic sludge was prominent in the gallbladder, and perivascular, multifocal hyperechoic areas appeared in the liver parenchyma toward the end of the study. These alterations were confirmed macroscopically and microscopically at the end of the autopsy in all dogs. We consider that as well as blood serum parameters, ultrasonographic examinations are useful in the early diagnosis of biliary diseases and in differentiating them from hepatic diseases.