LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOME AFTER PARTIAL LIGATION OF SINGLE EXTRAHEPATIC VASCULAR ANOMALIES IN 20 DOGS

This study reports the long-term clinical outcome after partial ligati on of single extrahepatic Vascular anomalies in 20 dogs. Outcome was c lassified as successful or complicated based on review of follow-up ev aluations that consisted of telephone contacts with owners and veterin arians (n = 20), in hospital reevaluation (n = 15): and per-rectal por tal nuclear scintigraphy (n = 12). Partial ligation was initially effe ctive in resolving clinical signs in all 20 dogs. Long-term outcome wa s completely satisfactory in 50% of the cases. The mean time interval between surgery and onset of signs, or diagnosis of complications in t he 10 dogs with a complicated outcome, was approximately 3 years. Cent ral 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 complic ated 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. (C) 1995 by T he American College of Veterinary Surgeons