Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound finds rare portal vein problems causing fluid in two cats
By McConnell, J F et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2006·Animal Health Trust, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic diagnosis of unusual portal vascular abnormalities in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-month-old cat was brought in with a swollen belly (ascites) that kept coming back. After tests, the vet found a rare condition where a blood vessel in the liver was improperly connected, causing increased pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension). In another case, a 16-year-old cat with a similar swollen belly was diagnosed with an intraluminal mass in the portal vein and other complications. In both cases, ultrasound helped the vets identify the issues. Treatment details weren't provided, but identifying the cause is crucial for managing these conditions.
People also search for: cat swollen belly causes · portal hypertension in cats · cat liver problems treatment
Abstract
Two cases of ascites secondary to portal vascular abnormalities associated with portal hypertension are described. In the first case a five-month-old cat was presented with recurrent ascites and investigations showed that the underlying cause was a hepatic arteriovenous fistula. Ultrasonography showed direct communication of the coeliac artery and right branch of the portal vein. There was also hepatofugal flow in the main portal vein consistent with portal hypertension. The ultrasonographic features were similar to those seen in dogs with hepatic arteriovenous fistulae. In the second case, ascites, portal hypertension and an intraluminal mass in the main portal vein was diagnosed in a 16-year-old cat that had been presented with hyperthyroidism and hepatomegaly. Acquired portosystemic collaterals involving the left renal vein were present. Additional diagnostic investigations were not permitted. Ultrasonography was useful in both cases to document portal hypertension and the underlying cause.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16761986/