Portal vein thrombosis in 33 dogs: 1998-2011

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Health
• Thrombotic Disorders

Background:

• Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon condition in veterinary medicine.
• Understanding its presentation and outcomes in dogs is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation of dogs diagnosed with PVT.
• To identify associated diseases and underlying conditions contributing to PVT.
• To evaluate the outcome and survival rates of dogs with PVT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records from client-owned dogs diagnosed with PVT.
• Data collected included clinical signs, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging, treatments, and outcomes.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors influencing survival.

Main Results:

• Thirty-three dogs were included in the study.
• Common clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, ascites, and hypovolemic shock.
• Hepatic disease, neoplastic conditions, and immune disorders were frequent associated diseases. Thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and hypoalbuminemia were common laboratory findings.
• Survival to discharge was achieved in 19 dogs. Anticoagulant therapy was associated with improved survival, while acute PVT, multiple thrombi, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were linked to poorer outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Hepatic disease is a significant pre-existing condition in dogs with PVT.
• PVT should be suspected in dogs with risk factors for venous thrombosis presenting with specific clinical signs like abdominal pain, ascites, and thrombocytopenia.
• Further research into anticoagulant therapy for canine PVT management is recommended.