Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hydraulic occluder treatment results for dogs with liver shunts
By Adin, Christopher A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome associated with use of a percutaneously controlled hydraulic occluder for treatment of dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 10 dogs with a serious liver condition called intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) underwent surgery to place a special device (hydraulic occluder) to help correct the issue. After the surgery, the dogs received injections to gradually close off the shunt, and their health was closely monitored. Most of the dogs showed improvement in their blood tests and clinical signs, with some achieving normal bile acid levels within weeks. While a few dogs needed adjustments to the device, the majority remained healthy and symptom-free for over a year after the procedure.
People also search for: dog liver shunt treatment · hydraulic occluder for dogs · IHPSS surgery outcome
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of a hydraulic occluder (HO) used for treatment of dogs with an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 dogs with an IHPSS. PROCEDURES: Serum biochemical and postprandial bile acids (PPBA) analyses and transcolonic scintigraphy were performed before surgery. Laparotomy was performed, and an uninflated HO was placed around the portal vein branch leading to the IHPSS. After surgery, 0.9% NaCl solution was injected into subcutaneous injection ports at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks to achieve staged occlusion of the HO. Serum biochemical analyses, PPBA analysis, and scintigraphy were performed 2 weeks after occlusion. Serum biochemical analyses were repeated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Implant revision was required in 3 dogs because of rupture of the HO (n = 2) or detachment of the actuating tubing (1). Serum biochemical values and clinical signs improved in all dogs after surgery. Six of 10 dogs had PPBA concentration within reference range 2 weeks after occlusion, and 2 additional dogs had concentrations within reference range at 1 year. Only 5 of 10 dogs had complete resolution of portosystemic shunting 2 weeks after occlusion. Two dogs were lost to follow-up, and 8 dogs remained alive with no recurrence of clinical signs at a median of 22 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of the HO appeared to be an effective method for surgical treatment for dogs with IHPSS, although problems with implant reliability indicate a need for modifications in design and manufacturing.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17144820/