Epidemiologic factors associated with the anatomic location of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether breed, sex, country of origin, and age are associated with anatomic location of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) in dogs.


METHODS
Multi-institutional retrospective case series.


METHODS
Dogs (n=125) with IHPSS from the veterinary teaching hospitals of the University of Florida (21), Sydney University (44), and the University of California-Davis (60).


METHODS
Dogs with surgical/necropsy confirmation of single IHPSS were identified. Data were analyzed using logistic regression for associations between age, breed, sex, and country with the anatomic location of IHPSS.


RESULTS
Right (34%), left (34%), and central divisional IHPSS (32%) were prevalent with approximately equal frequency in Australia; in the United States, the prevalence of right (24%) and central divisional (26%) combined was similar to left divisional IHPSS (51%). Country (P=048), sex (P=.016), and Australian cattle dog ([ACD], P=.025) were significantly associated with IHPSS location. Dogs in Australia had 2.5-fold higher odds of having right versus left divisional IHPSS. Males and ACD had 2.8- and 5.6-fold higher odds of having right versus left divisional IHPSS. Australian dogs were significantly older than those in the United States (P<.0001) and ACD were significantly older than other breeds (P=.0067).


CONCLUSIONS
Although country of origin, breed, and sex had significant associations with anatomic location of IHPSS, signalment does not appear to be a strong predictor of shunt location when used alone.


CONCLUSIONS
For the common breeds in this report, signalment is only occasionally helpful in predicting likelihood of anatomic division in IHPSS. Australian cattle dogs and male dogs have a statistical association with right (versus left) divisional IHPSS. If advanced imaging techniques are not available, veterinary surgeons should be prepared to locate and address any anatomic configuration of IHPSS in a dog.
Krotscheck
Ursula
U
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. uk28@cornell.edu
Adin
Christopher A
CA
Hunt
Geraldine B
GB
Kyles
Andrew E
AE
Erb
Hollis N
HN
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000662:veterinary; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D011168:Portal System / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors