[Experimental portal hypertension in the dog]

Portal hypertension may be obtained in the dog at three levels: by blocking the venous circulation either above, within or below the liver. Portal hypertension by venous obstruction below the liver is obtained by partial ligature of the portal vein using a ring covered with talcum powder. The fibrous reaction thus created causes occlusion of the portal vein in 50 p. 100 of cases. This portal hypertension is transient and is not accompanied by oesophageal varices. The special anatomical lay-out of the portal system in the dog, explains these findings.