Survival and prognostic indicators for dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: 32 cases (1990-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine prognostic indicators for short-term outcome and long-term survival for dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Thirty-two dogs of various breeds.


METHODS
Clinical data extracted from medical records of dogs with IPSS were reviewed and included gender, age at surgery, weight, preoperative packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein concentration (TP), albumin (ALB), serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), preprandial and postprandial bile acid concentrations (pre-BA, post-BA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose concentration, band neutrophils, per-rectal nuclear scintigraphy shunt fraction, whether an angiogram was performed, shunt location at surgery, whether a partial or complete attenuation of the shunt was performed, rectal temperature at the end of surgery, and duration of surgical procedure. Follow-up was determined from visits to the veterinary teaching hospital or by telephone communications with the owner or referring veterinarian.


RESULTS
Median survival time was 35.68 months, and 1- and 2-year probabilities of survival were 60% and 55%, respectively. Body weight, TP, ALB, and BUN were identified as prognostic indicators for short-term outcome. PCV and TP were identified as prognostic indicators for long-term survival.


CONCLUSIONS
PCV and TP were identified as prognostic indicators for long-term survival, whereas body weight, TP, ALB, and BUN were identified as indicators for short-term outcome in dogs with IPSS. Shunt location at surgery did not have any effect on short-term outcome and long-term survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Total protein, ALB, BUN, and PCV can be used to determine prognosis of dogs with intrahepatic shunt.
Papazoglou
Lysimachos G
LG
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Monnet
Eric
E
Seim
Howard B
HB
D000818:Animals; D003120:Colorado; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors