Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan findings in two dogs with vein defects and portosystemic
By Desbordes, J et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2024·Centre Hospitalier Vé, France·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Computed tomographic features of segmental aplasia of the caudal vena cava, portocaval shunt and Situs ambiguous in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old crossbreed dog and a 3-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer were brought to the vet with sudden signs of confusion and disorientation, known as encephalopathy. The vets suspected a portosystemic shunt (a condition where blood bypasses the liver) and confirmed it using a special imaging technique called CT angiography. Both dogs had surgery to correct the shunt, and follow-up scans showed they also had a smaller-than-normal portal vein. After surgery, the dogs were monitored for recovery, but the long-term outcomes weren't detailed.
People also search for: dog encephalopathy symptoms · portosystemic shunt surgery in dogs · German Shorthaired Pointer liver issues
Abstract
A 3-year-old crossbreed dog (case 1) and a 3-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer (case 2) were presented for acute signs of encephalopathy. A portosystemic shunt (PSS) was suspected based on clinical context and laboratory exam results and was confirmed on computed tomography (CT) angiography in both cases. A left-sided azygos (case 1) and right-sided azygos (case 2) continuation of an interrupted caudal vena cava (CVC) and a situs ambiguous (SA) were also observed and considered as incidental findings. Both dogs underwent PSS surgical correction. Postsurgical follow-up imaging procedures suggested concomitant primary hypoplasia of the portal vein (PHPV) in both cases.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39319698/