Long‐Term Clinical Outcome After Partial Ligation of Single Extrahepatic Vascular Anomalies in 20 Dogs

Abstract

This study reports the long-term clinical outcome after partial ligation of single extrahepatic vascular anomalies in 20 dogs. Outcome was classified as successful or complicated based on review of follow-up evaluations that consisted of telephone contacts with owners and veterinarians (n = 20), in hospital reevaluation (n = 15), and per-rectal portal nuclear scintigraphy (n = 12). Partial ligation was initially effective in resolving clinical signs in all 20 dogs. Long-term outcome was completely satisfactory in 50% of the cases. The mean time interval between surgery and onset of signs, or diagnosis of complications in the 10 dogs with a complicated outcome, was approximately 3 years. Central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and complications related to the urinary tract were most common. Acquired multiple extrahepatic venous communications occurred in at least 3 of 10 dogs (30%) with a complicated outcome. Long-term survival occurred in 13 of 20 dogs (65%) with partial ligation. The mean survival time for the seven dogs that died or were euthanatized was 3.6 years and the mean survival time for the 13 dogs still alive at the last follow-up was 5.0 years.