Evaluation of gradual occlusion of the caudal vena cava in clinically normal dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To devise a technique for gradual occlusion of the caudal vena cava in dogs and determine effects of complete occlusion of the caudal vena cava.


METHODS
8 mixed-breed hounds that weighed between 25 and 30 kg.


METHODS
Baseline evaluation of dogs included serum biochemical analyses and determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with dynamic renal scintigraphy and plasma clearance analysis. An occluder was placed around the vena cava in the region cranial to the renal veins. The occluder was attached to a vascular access port. The vena cava was gradually occluded over 2 weeks. The GFR was measured every 2 weeks after surgery, and venograms were performed every 3 weeks after surgery. Blood samples were collected every 48 hours for the first week and then weekly thereafter to measure BUN and creatinine concentrations and activities of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase. Dogs were euthanatized 6 weeks after surgery, and tissues were submitted for histologic examination. The GFR and biochemical data were compared with baseline values.


RESULTS
Gradual occlusion of the caudal vena cava was easily and consistently performed with this method, and adverse clinical signs were not detected. Formation of collateral vessels allowed overall GFR to remain constant despite a decrease in function of the left kidney. Measured biochemical values did not deviate from reference ranges.


CONCLUSIONS
Gradual occlusion of the caudal vena cava may allow removal of adrenal gland tumors with vascular invasion that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to resect.
Peacock
John T
JT
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Fossum
Theresa W
TW
Bahr
Anne M
AM
Miller
Matthew W
MW
Edwards
John F
JF
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*
D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase