Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs

SUMMARY Congenital portosystemic shunts were definitively diagnosed in 62 dogs over a period of 15 years. Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs were significantly over-represented, accounting for 14 and 13 cases, respectively. Maltese invariably had a single extrahepatic shunt derived from the left gastric or gastrosplenic vein, whereas Cattle Dogs usually had large intrahepatic shunts involving the right liver lobes. The clinical syndromes resulting from anomalous portosystemic communications were indistinguishable in the 2 breeds. Fasting blood ammonia concentration was elevated in 20 of 22 dogs tested, providing a minimally invasive and effective means of diagnosis. Complete or partial shunt attenuation was performed successfully in all 9 Maltese and in 2 of 6 Cattle Dogs in which it was attempted.     

Pharyngeal mucoceles in dogs: 14 cases

This report describes the clinical features of a series of dogs with pharyngeal salivary mucoceles. A retrospective study of 14 dogs with pharyngeal mucocele was performed. Medical records from 1983 to 2003 were reviewed for information regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgical procedures, and short-term and long-term outcome. Miniature and toy poodles were common breeds in the study population, and 79% of the dogs were male. The most common presenting sign was dyspnea (50%). Diagnosis was by fine-needle aspirate, which revealed a mucoid substance in 93% of dogs. Histopathology of the excised salivary glands revealed lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in all dogs that had histopathology performed. Forty-three percent of the dogs had a cervical mucocele on the same side as the pharyngeal mucocele. Surgical therapy was performed in 13 dogs, which consisted of excision of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands, excision of the mucocele, or marsupulization of the mucocele. Only two dogs had recurrence of the pharyngeal mucocele. In this study, pharyngeal mucoceles occurred in predominantly small dogs that frequently presented with respiratory signs. Surgical treatment was successful in most dogs.     

Outcomes of cellophane banding for congenital portosystemic shunts in 106 dogs and 5 cats

OBJECTIVE : To report outcomes after cellophane banding of single congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN : Retrospective study of sequential cases. ANIMALS : One hundred and six dogs and five cats. METHODS : Medical records were reviewed for breed, sex, age at surgery, shunt anatomy, results of pre- and postoperative biochemical analysis, development of postligation neurologic dysfunction, portal hypertension or other serious complications, and the owners' perception of their animal's response to surgery. RESULTS : Ninety-five dogs and all 5 cats had extrahepatic shunts. Eleven dogs had intrahepatic shunts. Six dogs (5.5%) died as a result of surgery from portal hypertension (2 dogs), postligation neurologic dysfunction (2), splenic hemorrhage (1) and suspected narcotic overdose (1). Serious complications were more common in dogs with intrahepatic shunts than those with extrahepatic shunts (P=.002). Postligation neurologic dysfunction necessitated treatment in 10 dogs and 1 cat; 8 dogs and the cat survived. Clinical signs attributed to portosystemic shunting resolved or were substantially attenuated in all survivors. Postoperative serum bile acid concentrations or results of ammonia tolerance testing were available for 88 animals; 74 (84%) were normal and 14 (16%) were abnormal. Multiple acquired shunts were documented in two animals. CONCLUSIONS : Cellophane banding is a safe and effective alternative to other methods of attenuation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE : Slow occlusion of portosystemic shunts using a variety of methods is being evaluated world wide. Cellophane banding is a relatively simple procedure with comparable safety and efficacy to previously reported techniques.     

Cellophane banding for the gradual attenuation of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in eleven dogs

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and short term effects of a cellophane banding technique for progressive attenuation of canine single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.
Design A prospective trial of 11 dogs with single congenital extrahepatic shunts.
Procedure Rectal ammonia tolerance testing and routine biochemical tests were performed preoperatively on all dogs. In seven dogs, preoperative abdominal Doppler ultrasonography was also performed. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a single extrahepatic portocaval shunt in each animal, which was attenuated using a cellophane band with an internal diameter of 2 to 3 mm. The abdomen was closed routinely. Follow-up biochemical analysis and abdominal Doppler ultrasonography or splenoportography were performed postoperatively.
Results The shunt was not amenable to total ligation in 11 dogs, based upon reported criteria. All dogs recovered uneventfully from surgery without evidence of portal hypertension, and showed clinical improvement thereafter. Shunt occlusion was deemed to have occurred in 10 dogs based on resolution of biochemical and/or sonographic abnormalities. One dog continued to have sonographic evidence of portosystemic shunting when evaluated 3 weeks after surgery, despite normal ammonia tolerance, but was lost to subsequent follow-up. Two dogs, in which 3 mm cellophane bands were placed, experienced delayed shunt occlusion.
Conclusion Cellophane banding is simple to perform, and causes progressive attenuation of single extrahepatic shunts in dogs. Further work is needed to determine the maximum diameter of a cellophane band which will produce total attenuation, and the long-term safety and reliability of the treatment.     

Effect of breed on anatomy of portosystemic shunts resulting from congenital diseases in dogs and cats: a review of 242 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of species and breed on the anatomy of portosystemic vascular anomalies in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 233 dogs and nine cats presenting to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney. METHODS: Case records were evaluated for breed, sex, age, anatomical and histological diagnosis. Cases were included when a portosystemic vascular anomaly resulted from a congenital or developmental abnormality of the liver or portal venous system. RESULTS: Disease conditions included single congenital portosystemic shunt with patent portal vasculature (214 dogs, nine cats), portal vein aplasia (nine dogs), multiple acquired shunts resulting from portal vein hypoplasia (seven dogs), biliary atresia (one dog) and microvascular dysplasia (one dog). One Maltese had a single, congenital shunt and multiple acquired shunts resulting from hepatic cirrhosis. Breeds that were significantly over-represented included the Maltese, Silky Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Irish Wolfhound and Himalayan cat. Bichon Frise with shunts were significantly more likely to be female than male (12:2, P < 0.001). Two hundred and fourteen dogs (91.4%), and all cats, had shunts that were amenable to attenuation. Inoperable shunts occurred in 19 dogs (8.2%). Fifty six of 61 (92%) operable shunts in large breed dogs were intrahepatic, versus 10/153 (7%) in small breeds (P < 0.0001). Breeds that were not predisposed to portosystemic shunts were significantly more likely to have unusual or inoperable shunts than dogs from predisposed breeds (29% versus 7.6%, P < 0.0001). No significant relationship between breed and shunt type could be determined in cats. CONCLUSION: Breed has a significant influence on shunt anatomy in dogs. Animals presenting with signs of portosystemic shunting may suffer from a wide range of operable or inoperable conditions. Veterinarians should be aware that unusual or inoperable shunts are much more likely to occur in breeds that are not predisposed to congenital portosystemic shunts.     

A retrospective report of 90 dogs with suspected cane toad (Bufo marinus) toxicity

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics of toad toxicity in domestic dogs in Brisbane. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of clinical cases. PROCEDURE: All cases of toad poisoning which presented to a northern suburbs emergency clinic in Brisbane over a 30-month period beginning in April 1999 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 90 canine cases of suspected toad poisoning were reviewed. Small breed dogs accounted for 76% of cases. Jack Russell, Silky, and Fox Terriers were the most represented breeds. Cases were reported year round, with fewest cases over the winter months. The most common clinical signs were increased salivation (78% of cases), and red oral mucous membranes (63% cases). Seizures occurred in 31% of cases. Generally the outcome was excellent with 96% survival.     

Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual and overall proportion of diagnoses of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs and identify breeds at increased risk for CPSS. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 2,400 dogs with CPSS from veterinary teaching hospitals that reported to the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2002. PROCEDURE: The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS was calculated for all dogs and each breed recorded in the VMDB annually and for the 22.2-year period. Odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals were calculated for breeds with at least 100 accessions by comparing odds of each breed with a diagnosis of CPSS with that of mixed-breed dogs. RESULTS: Congenital portosystemic shunts were reported in 0.18% of all dogs and 0.05% of mixed-breed dogs. The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS increased from 5 in 10,000 dogs in 1980 to 5 in 1,000 dogs in 2001. Yorkshire Terriers had the greatest total number of diagnoses of CPSS. Thirty-three breeds were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The greatest proportions of diagnoses were found in Havanese (3.2%), Yorkshire Terriers (2.9%), Maltese (1.6%), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (1.6%), and Pugs (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Certain breeds appear to be at increased risk for CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The increased odds ratios among specific breeds support the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition for CPSS. Clients and veterinarians should consider appropriate diagnostic tests for dogs with clinical signs and those used for breeding from breeds with increased risk of CPSS.     

A prospective study of basal insulin concentrations in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts

Objectives : Hypoglycaemia is a common cause of morbidity in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts but the aetiology is unknown. The hypothesis of this study was that dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts would have significantly higher insulin concentrations than dogs without congenital portosystemic shunts. The main objective of the study was to compare peripheral glucose and insulin concentrations between dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts and dogs without congenital portosystemic shunts. Methods : Peripheral serum insulin and plasma glucose concentrations were measured in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts and without congenital portosystemic shunts and compared both between groups as well as to reference intervals derived from healthy dogs. Results : Congenital portosystemic shunts were diagnosed in 41 dogs. Forty‐eight dogs hospitalised with other conditions acted as controls. Serum insulin concentrations were mildly elevated (Ä40 μU/mL) in seven dogs and were markedly elevated in two dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts, yet mild hypoglycaemia (3·3 mmol/L) was detected in only one of these dogs. Four dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts showed fasting hypoglycaemia, yet insulin concentrations were within or below the reference interval in three. There was no difference between the median insulin concentration of dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts and without congenital portosystemic shunts. Clinical Significance : Hyperinsulinaemia is infrequently observed in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts. The aetiology of hypoglycaemia in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts merits further investigation.     

Plasma ammonia concentration in dogs using ion-exchange method of analysis

Laboratory methods for measuring plasma ammonia concentration were reviewed. The ion-exchange method of analysis was evaluated using canine plasma from 15 clinically normal dogs and five dogs with portosystemic shunts. Mean and standard deviation was 40.3 +/- 8.1 microgram NH(3)/dl in normal dogs, and values ranged from 125 to 200 microgram NH(3)/dl in dogs with portosystemic shunts. Handling of blood samples properly for accurate results was found to require pre-chilled collection tubes, chilling the samples in an ice bath, immediate separation of plasma from red blood cells and immediate analysis for ammonia concentration. The ion exchange method was determined to be sufficiently accurate for clinical use and is suggested for any veterinary clinical pathology laboratory.     

Primary hypoparathyroidism in dogs: a retrospective study of 17 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinico-pathological findings, response to treatment and prevalence of complications in dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 17 dogs presenting to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinical Centre and Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital over a 15 year period (1990 to 2004). Case records were evaluated for signalment, body weight, diet type, historical and clinical findings, serum total calcium, phosphate, albumin and parathyroid hormone concentrations, urinary fractional excretion ratios of calcium and phosphate, electrocardiogram (ECG) results, treatments administered, outcome and period of follow-up. RESULTS: The most common breeds identified were St Bernard (three dogs), Chihuahua (two dogs), German Shepherd (two dogs) and Jack Russell Terrier (two dogs). Three dogs were cross bred. Seizures, muscle tremors and fasciculations, stiff gait, tetany, muscle cramping, behavioural change and hyperventilation were the most common clinical signs. Vomiting, inappetence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hyperthermia, facial pruritus, ataxia, weakness, cataracts, and circling also occurred with less frequency. The mean duration of observed clinical signs preceding diagnosis was 33 days (median 13 days, range 1 to 173 days). All dogs had marked hypocalcaemia with normal or mildly increased serum albumin concentrations. Mean phosphate concentrations were significantly higher in inappetent dogs (P = 0.049). Mean serum calcium concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with cataracts compared to those without (P = 0.046). There were no other significant relationships between serum calcium or phosphate concentrations and the clinical presentation or outcome. No significant correlations were identified between the presence of a particular clinical sign and the duration of clinical signs. ECGs were obtained in four dogs and all exhibited QT interval prolongation due to a ST-segment prolongation. Sixteen of 17 dogs were treated successfully for hypocalcaemia and discharged from hospital. Acute management included parenteral calcium gluconate (10 dogs) and intravenous anticonvulsants (five dogs). Chronic therapy included oral vitamin D analogues and calcium supplementation. Treatment complications occurred in two dogs and included acute renal failure (one dog) and iatrogenic tissue necrosis following subcutaneous calcium administration (one dog). The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months (median 13 months, range 0 to 39 months). Twelve dogs were alive at the last follow up and two dogs were euthanased for unrelated reasons. The type of vitamin D analogue used was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSION: Primary hypoparathyroidism was an uncommon diagnosis in dogs. Saint Bernards, cross bred dogs, German Shepherd dogs and Terrier breeds were most commonly affected. Neurological signs were the most common presenting clinical signs, although alimentary signs may have been more common than previously reported. Dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism appeared to have a good prognosis following initiation of calcium supplementation and vitamin D therapy. Complications of treatment were uncommon and could be minimised with regular monitoring.     

Clinical outcome of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation in dogs aged five years and older: 17 cases (1992-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) treatment in dogs aged 5 years and older. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records for dogs (> or = 5 years old) that underwent surgical attenuation of an EHPSS (1992 through 2005) were evaluated; data, including clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, surgical procedure, and outcome, were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained via patient examination or telephone interview with veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Dogs (5 to 9 years old [median age, 6.6 years]) had neurologic (n = 12), urinary tract (8), and gastrointestinal tract (6) EHPSS-associated clinical signs. Serum bile acids and ammonia concentrations were abnormal in all evaluated dogs. Treatment of EHPSSs included complete (n = 6 dogs) or partial (2) suture attenuation or ameroid constrictor placement (9). Two dogs died following surgery. Follow-up information (6 to 120 months) was available for 13 dogs. Deaths were attributable to heart failure (n = 1), bacterial hepatitis (2; with pyelonephritis in 1 dog), and unknown causes (3). At a median of 23 and 25 months, serum bile acids concentrations had almost normalized in 5 of 8 dogs and ammonia concentrations were within reference limits in 3 of 5 dogs, respectively; dogs with abnormal liver function test results had no associated clinical signs. Median long-term survival time was 72 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Attenuation of EHPSS in > or = 5-year-old dogs ameliorated signs of liver dysfunction in surviving dogs, although return of normal liver function occurred less frequently than expected.     

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of quadrigeminal cysts in dogs

BACKGROUND: Quadrigeminal cysts (QC) are the most common intracranial intra-arachnoid cysts in dogs, primarily affecting small breeds. Clinical significance is controversial. HYPOTHESIS: Male, brachycephalic, small breed dogs are predisposed to QC, and objective measurement of parenchymal compression can distinguish clinically relevant QC from incidental findings. ANIMALS: A total of 4,100 client-owned dogs. METHODS: A retrospective study that recorded signalment, history, clinical signs, and magnetic resonance imaging features. The degree of brain compression was evaluated in the presence of relevant clinical signs. The percentage compression of cerebellum and forebrain was calculated by comparing the expected to the actual diameter and longitudinal dimension, respectively. RESULTS: QC were diagnosed in 28 dogs, of which 21 (75%) were small breed dogs. Fifteen dogs (54%) were brachycephalic. Eighteen dogs were male, and 10 were female. Cerebellar, occipital lobe, or compression in both areas occurred in 86% (24/28 dogs). Clinical signs included focal and generalized seizures in 5 dogs and cerebellar signs in 6 dogs. Mean occipital lobe compression was 17% (SD = 4) in clinically affected and 10% (SD = 3) in normal dogs (P = .006). Occipital lobe compression >14% was always associated with clinical signs. The mean cerebellar compression was 18%, but there was no association between compression and clinical signs. The animals were more likely to develop clinical signs if both areas were compressed (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Parenchymal compression by QC can be incidental, and other central nervous system diseases must be excluded when assessing the clinical significance of QC. However, occipital lobe compression over 14% is likely to cause clinical signs.     

A retrospective study of canine strychnine poisonings from 1998 to 2013 in western Canada

This study describes observations related to 93 cases of strychnine poisoning in dogs over a 16-year period in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Epidemiological information describing age, gender, breed, and size of the dogs, geographical distribution of poisonings, and strychnine concentrations in tissue matrices were tabulated. The mortality in dogs poisoned with strychnine was 60.2%. Strychnine poisoning cases varied by year (P = 0.0012) and by season (P = 0.0005). The highest number of confirmed cases occurred in years 2000 and 2001. Poisonings occurred most frequently during the spring. There were no statistical differences related to age or gender, but older, male dogs appeared to be more commonly affected. Large dog breeds were most commonly affected. Strychnine was detected in multiple tissue matrices, including stomach contents, liver, urine, vomitus, and gastric washings. The study indicates that strychnine poisoning in the dog remains a common toxicosis in western Canada.     

Canine urolithiasis: epidemiology and analysis of urinary calculi

The incidence of canine urolithiasis was found to lie between 0–5 to 1 per cent of the canine population. Epidemiological and analytical data were collected for 1731 urinary stones, and causal relationships investigated. Calculi were found in 72 breeds. While they were relatively common among dachshunds, dalmatians, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, bassets, poodles, schnauzers and small terrier breeds, urinary stones were relatively rare among German shepherd dogs, boxers, collies, chow chows, old English sheepdogs, spitz and rottweiler breeds. Struvite, which was found in 55-6 per cent of all calculi, proved to be the most common constituent, followed by cystine (22-5 per cent) and ammonium urate (6-6 per cent). Xanthine calculi were rare (six cases), while silicium dioxide calculi were present in only one case. The likelihood of calculi in male animals was twice that of bitches, although the latter were found to be more prone to infection of the urinary tract. Adiposity was present in 29 per cent of all dogs with calculi. The average age of the animals was seven years. In 98-7 per cent of all cases the calculi were found in the lower urinary tract, and surgical removal of the stones was required in 87-5 per cent of cases. The main types of calculi appear among specific breeds, which indicates that a careful breeding programme may help to reduce the frequency of urinary calculi.     

A survey of the diagnosis and treatment of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

A questionnaire was sent to veterinary surgeons who had diagnosed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) by assay of low serum concentration of trypsin-like immunoreactivity in 302 dogs. Two-thirds of cases were German shepherd dogs, in which EPI was found equally in males and females. The disease was also diagnosed in 33 other breeds, most commonly in crossbreeds, spaniels, small terriers and collies, and was more common in females. Detailed replies on 160 cases were returned; 79 dogs were alive and 41 dead, with the remainder lost to long term follow-up. The major reasons for death were euthanasia because of the cost, the prognosis, and failure to respond to treatment. An adequate response to treatment was obtained in 92 per cent of dogs. Uncoated preparations of pancreatic enzyme replacement were found to be more successful, and the use of dietary manipulation and antibiotics were frequently reported to be useful adjunctive therapies.     

Clinical and diagnostic features of portosystemic shunt in a foal

Portosystemic shunt was diagnosed in a 6-month-old Quarter Horse filly with acute onset of apparent blindness and a 3-month history of depression, lethargy, and ataxia. Clinicopathologic test results indicated slightly high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and serum total bilirubin concentration. Sulfobromophthalein half time was prolonged, and plasma ammonia and serum bile acid concentrations were high as well. Histopathologic findings of percutaneous liver biopsy included widespread hepatocyte atrophy and numerous prominent small arterioles in the area of the portal triad. On the basis of history, clinical findings, and clinicopathologic abnormalities, a presumptive diagnosis of portosystemic vascular anomaly was made. To confirm the tentative diagnosis, nuclear hepatic scintigraphy and operative mesenteric portography were performed. Medical treatment was unsuccessful, and the foal was euthanatized. Portosystemic shunts have been described in dogs and cats, but few cases have been reported in large animal species. Other, more common causes of neurologic abnormalities in foals, such as trauma, vertebral body abscesses, brain abscesses, and meningitis, must be ruled out before portosystemic shunt is considered.     

Surgical correction of angular deformities of the radius and ulna following malunion fractures

Correction of angular deformities in 14 cases of malunion fractures in the canine radius and ulna is described. Angular deformities were most frequently seen in small breeds of dogs following transverse diaphyseal fractures. The most common disorders were valgus and recurvation. Following preoperative planning and measurement of the components of the deformity, reconstructive osteotomy and stable, internal plate fixation was performed. Postoperative follow up time was approximately 32.9 months. On control, 8 dogs showed no lameness, 4 were slightly lame after exercise and 2 dogs turned out to be permanently lame at the end of the follow up investigation.     

Gauged attenuation of congenital portosystemic shunts: results in 160 dogs and 15 cats

Portosystemic shunts were ligated over a gauged stainless steel rod in 160 dogs and 15 cats, using a midline celiotomy. The diameter of the rod varied with the size of the shunt and the diameter of the portal vein cranial to the shunt. Shunts were narrowed to the smallest diameter that did not cause signs of portal hypertension such as cyanosis of the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. A slight discoloration was accepted only if the heart rate, end-expiratory CO2%, or arterial blood pressure (if available) did not deviate more than 15% from the values that were recorded at the beginning of the surgical procedure. The perioperative mortality (0-30 days) was 29%. The most common cause of death was euthanasia because of hypoplasia of the portal vein cranial to the shunt. Animals with intrahepatic shunts had a significantly lower probability of survival than animals with extrahepatic portocaval or portoazygos shunts. In dogs, large breed and a high body weight were also significant risk factors for non-survival. Age had a significant effect on risk of non-survival, with an increased risk for older dogs, irrespective of the breed of the dog (large breed vs. small breed). The probability of survival without recurrence of hepatoencephalopathy (HE) after 1 and 4 years was 61.3% and 55.7%, respectively. The only variable that was significantly associated with non-recurrence of HE was the breed of the dog, there being a lower probability for large breeds. Among the animals that survived surgery for more than 30 days, there was a significant higher probability of recurrence of HE in cats than in dogs.     

Intravascular Occlusion for the Correction of Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

Background: Congential extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) are common in dogs. An effective minimally invasive technique for correction of EHPSS could result in reduced morbidity, reduced costs, and reduced hospitalization times. Hypothesis: Use of an intravascular occlusion device can effectively and safely result in acute complete occlusion of EHPSS in dogs. Animals: Seven dogs with naturally occurring EHPSS that presented to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Methods: Prospective, clinical trial. The 7 dogs were consecutively enrolled over a 2‐year period. Results of serum biochemistry, total serum bile acids, fasting plasma ammonia, abdominal radiography, and ultrasonography suggested the diagnosis of portosystemic shunts in all dogs. Definitive diagnosis of EHPSS was achieved with cranial mesenteric arterial portography and acute occlusion was attempted by the deployment of the Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP). Results: EHPSS were identified in all dogs consisting of 5 portocaval and 2 portoazygous variants; 1/7 dogs (14%) were intolerant to temporary complete occlusion of the EHPSS. Of the remaining 6 dogs, 5 (83%) had complete occlusion of the EHPSS by the AVP. There were no complications and resolution of abnormal clinical signs and laboratory values was achieved in 4/5 (80%) dogs with complete occlusion. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Intravascular correction of EHPSS by the AVP is a viable option to surgical correction while larger studies will be required to determine the clinical applicability of this procedure in the broader portosystemic shunt population.     

Epidemiologic and diagnostic considerations of strychnine poisoning in the dog

Records pertaining to 261 cases of canine strychnine poisoning during a 15-year period (1968 to 1982) were retrieved from the toxicology laboratory files at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Strychnine poisoning occurred more often in younger dogs, with 61% of the cases being in animals less than 2 years old. Large breeds of dogs and male dogs were affected more often. The German Shepherd Dog was the most common breed of dog affected (14.6%). Numbers of cases were similar for urban and rural districts. About 15% to 20% of the cases were recorded as multiple occurrences of strychnine poisoning. Chemical analysis of tissues and ingesta containing strychnine indicated that the highest concentrations were in stomach contents, 229.0 +/- 21.1 micrograms/g, followed by the liver, 18.1 +/- 3.2 micrograms/g and the kidney, 14.6 +/- 1.0 micrograms/g.