Caudal vena cava obstruction and ascites in a cat treated by balloon dilation and endovascular stent placement

Objective-To present details of an unusual case of caudal vena caval obstru ction and its management in a cat. Study Design-Clinical case report. Study Population-A 15 month old male castrated domestic shorthaired cat. Results-The diagnostic evaluation included the use of digital subtraction a ngiography and ultrasonography to locate the caudal vena caval obstruction. Treatment initially involved puncture and balloon dilation of the obstruct ed area of the cava. After reobstruction, the stenotic area was redilated a nd stented. The cat was euthanatized 4 weeks later because of vomiting, ano rexia, and abnormal behavior, presumed to be associated with liver disease. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Interventional radiography provided a min imally invasive way to manage this unusual vascular anomaly. (C) Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.