ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF PORTAL VEIN THROMBOSIS IN FOUR DOGS |
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Authors: | Christopher R Lamb MA VetMB Robert H WRIGLEY BVSc MS DVR Kenneth W Simpson BVM&S PhD Myra Forster -van Hijfte DVM Oliver A Garden BSc BVetMed Gibiol J Brian A Smyth MVB MSc PhD H Carolien Rutgers DVM MS Robert N White BSc BVetMed |
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Institution: | Departments of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, and Pathology (Smyth), Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom, and the Department of Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA (Wrigley). |
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Abstract: | Ante mortem diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis was determined ultrasonographically in four dogs. In each dog the thrombus was visible in two-dimensional, grey-scale images of the portal vein obtained through a right intercostal window. Duplex-Doppler measurements and color-Doppler images provided information about the effects of thrombosis on portal blood flow. Reduced portal blood flow compatible with portal hypertension was detected in three dogs. A hypercoagulable state was probably involved in the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis in two dogs, one with pancreatitis and gastrointestinal blood loss and another with protein-losing nephropathy and probable immune-mediated anemia. The third dog had chronic ehrlichiosis; thrombosis was probably secondary to vasculitis. The remaining dog had thrombosis secondary to invasion of the portal vein by a recurrent duodenal neoplasm. This dog was euthanized because the tumor was considered inoperable. The dog with pancreatitis developed acute portal hypertension due to obstruction of the portal vein by the thrombus and was euthanized. The dogs with protein-losing nephropathy and ehrlichiosis were treated medically and recovered. Although portal vein thrombosis is uncommon, this complication should be considered in dogs with a variety of abdominal or systemic disorders. Ultrasonography is a practical method for diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis and detection of the underlying cause. |
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Keywords: | thrombosis portal vein ultrasonography Doppler studies dog |
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