Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension in dogs: 33 cases (1982-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and outcome in dogs with idiopathic intrahepatic portal hypertension.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
33 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with portal hypertension of intra-abdominal origin were reviewed. Dogs with intra-abdominal portal hypertension of vascular causes or with hepatic histopathologic changes consistent with severe diffuse hepatobiliary disease were excluded. History and results of physical examination, clinicopathologic tests, diagnostic imaging studies, histologic examination, and treatment were summarized. Outcome was determined in 26 dogs.


RESULTS
Dogs were referred most often because of ascites, intermittent vomiting or diarrhea, and polydipsia of several months' duration. Microcytosis, high serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activities, hepatic dysfunction, urine specific gravity < or = 1.021, and abdominal transudate were the predominant clinicopathologic features. Microhepatia, abdominal effusion, and multiple anomalous venous anastomoses were the major findings of diagnostic imaging. Hepatic histopathologic changes were consistent with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension and were indistinguishable from those of dogs with surgically created portocaval anastomosis. Outcome was determined for 19 dogs released from hospital; 13 dogs remained healthy with mostly palliative treatment for periods of 5 months to 9 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical signs, clinicopathologic test results, portal pressure, and gross appearance of the liver of dogs with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension may be identical to those of dogs with cirrhosis; therefore liver biopsy is crucial. Because the prognosis for idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension is generally favorable, owners of affected dogs should be discouraged from choosing euthanasia.
Bunch
S E
SE
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Johnson
S E
SE
Cullen
J M
JM
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001201:Ascites / Q000662:veterinary; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000662:veterinary; D014839:Vomiting / Q000662:veterinary
D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase