Splenocaval Shunting for Alleviation of Portal Hypertension in a Dog: A Case Report

Objective —To describe the construction and use of a splenocaval shunt to prevent portal hypertension in a dog with iatrogenic rupture and subsequent complete occlusion of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IPSS).
Study Design —Case report describing a single, client-owned animal.
Results —During dissection, the back wall of an IPSS was torn. Complete shunt occlusion was required to control the hemorrhage. This resulted in the development of life-threatening portal hypertension. Emergency splenocaval shunt construction reduced the portal pressure from 47 to 20 cm H₂0. The dog experienced minimal postoperative complications. A second surgical procedure was performed a month later to completely ligate the splenocaval shunt.
Conclusions —A splenocaval shunt can be used to divert blood from the portal to the systemic circulation to control portal hypertension. In this dog, it resulted in a successful outcome with few complications.
Clinical Relevance —The splenocaval shunt could be constructed before the dissection of a difficult IPSS if problems arise as occurred in the dog described in this report. Complete IPSS occlusion can be performed without development of portal hypertension.     

Is Snow a sufficient Source of Water for Horses kept Outdoors in Winter? A Case Report

Due to extreme weather conditions, a flock of outwintered Icelandic horses had to manage for several days on snow as the source of free water. They were fed grass silage ad lib, and any change in feed consumption was not observed. After nine days, blood samples were taken and analysed for plasma osmolality, they were subjected to a simple clinical examination, and offered drinking water. Osmolality levels were within normal limits and mean value did not differ significantly from samples which previously were taken of the same individuals. The general condition of the horses was normal, with no signs of clinical dehydration or disease. The horses showed very little interest for the offered drinking water. This suggests that in cold winter weather, horses being fed grass silage and adjusted to eat snow, can manage for several days with snow substituting liquid water without their physiology and welfare being challenged.