SPLENOCAVAL SHUNTING FOR ALLEVIATION OF PORTAL-HYPERTENSION IN A DOG - A CASE-REPORT

Objective-To describe the construction and use of a splenocaval shunt to prevent portal hypertension in a dog with iatrogenic rupture and su bsequent complete occlusion of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IP SS). Study Design-Case report describing a single, client-owned animal . Results-During dissection, the back wall of an IPSS was torn. Comple te shunt occlusion was required to control the hemorrhage. This result ed in the development of life-threatening portal hypertension. Emergen cy splenocaval shunt construction reduced the portal pressure from 47 to 20 cm H2O. The dog experienced minimal postoperative complications. A second surgical procedure was performed a month later to completely ligate the splenocaval shunt. Conclusions-A splenocaval shunt can be used to divert blood from the portal to the systemic circulation to co ntrol portal hypertension. In this dog, it resulted in a successful ou tcome with few complications. Clinical Relevance-The splenocaval shunt could be constructed before the dissection of a difficult IPSS if pro blems arise as occurred in the dog described in this report. Complete IPSS occlusion can be performed without development of portal hyperten sion. (C)Copyright 1998 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons .