Clinical presentation and short‐term outcomes of dogs ≥15 kg with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo describe demographics, clinical presentation, shunt anatomy, clinical progression, and complications in large dogs ≥15 kg with single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) treated with or without surgery.Study DesignMulticenter retrospective (10 university hospitals, one private referral institution).AnimalsDogs ≥15 kg (n = 63).MethodsMedical records of dogs ≥15 kg diagnosed with EHPSS between January 01, 2005 and December 31, 2020 were reviewed. Dogs had a minimum follow‐up of 90 days. Signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, shunt anatomy, treatment interventions, and perioperative complications were assessed.ResultsMedian age was 21.9 months (IQR: 9–36.8). The breed most represented was the Golden retriever (17/63 dogs). Portocaval (17/63) and splenocaval (15/63) shunt configurations were most common. Portal vein hypoplasia was noted in 18 imaging reports. Of the surgically treated dogs, 14/45 (35.6%) had short‐term complications, and 3/45 (6.7%) had shunt‐related deaths. Medical management was discontinued in 15/40 and reduced in 9/40 of surviving dogs who had surgical attenuation. All medically managed, nonattenuated dogs (18/18) were maintained on their original shunt‐related medication regimens.ConclusionsClinical presentation of dogs ≥15 kg with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts was similar to the more commonly reported small breed dogs. Surgical management of single EHPSS in large dogs ≥15 kg had similar clinical short‐term outcomes as small breed dogs.Clinical SignificanceClinicians should be aware that large breed dogs with EHPSS share similar characteristics and clinical outcomes to small breed dogs. The significance of the presence of a hypoplastic portal vein warrants further research. Surgical treatment is a viable option for large breed dogs with EHPSS.