Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ascites from pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension in 17 dogs
By James, F E et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2008·School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ascites due to pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension in dogs: a retrospective analysis of 17 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 17 dogs with fluid buildup in their abdomen (ascites) was evaluated, and most were young, under 4 years old. The fluid was caused by a condition known as pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension, often linked to liver issues like idiopathic hepatic fibrosis or chronic hepatitis. Unfortunately, the outlook for these dogs was generally poor, and many either passed away or were euthanized due to severe symptoms and a lack of effective treatment options.
People also search for: dog ascites causes · young dog liver disease symptoms · portal hypertension in dogs treatment
Abstract
Accumulation of a pure transudate abdominal effusion in the absence of significant hypoalbuminaemia is uncommon in dogs and is due to pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension. Reported causes of pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension vary, but suggest a reasonable prognosis. A retrospective analysis of 17 dogs that presented to our institution with ascites due to pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension identified idiopathic hepatic fibrosis or canine chronic hepatitis as the underlying cause in the majority of cases. Twelve (70.5%) dogs were 4 years of age or younger at time of presentation. Total serum protein was higher in dogs with chronic hepatitis than it was in dogs without inflammatory disease. The prognosis was generally poor and no histological, imaging or biochemical parameters were useful as prognostic indicators. Dogs died or were euthanased due to severe clinical signs associated with the portal hypertension and/or perceived poor prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18454835/