ASCITES AND PORTAL-HYPERTENSION IN 3 YOUNG-DOGS WITH NON-FIBROSING LIVER-DISEASE

Three young dogs were evaluated because of the sudden development of a scites. In each case ascites was referable to non-fibrosing hepatic di sease associated with portal hypertension. Obstruction to portal flow was pre-sinusoidal in two cases and post sinusoidal in the other. In a ll cases ascites developed in the absence of severe hypoalbuminaemia. The ratio of the protein content of ascitic fluid in relation to the p rotein content of plasma proved useful in differentiating between pre- and post sinusoidal portal hypertension. All three animals died or we re euthanased because of the sequelae of portal hypertension.