A canine model of multiple portosystemic shunting

The objective of this study was to develop and describe an experimental can ine model of multiple acquired portosystemic shunts (PSS) similar in nature to spontaneously occurring PSS. Sixteen dogs were used and were divided in to a control (n = 6) and a diseased group (n = 10). Dogs of the diseased gr oup were administered dimethylnitrosamine (2 mg/kg of body weight, po) twic e weekly, and clinicopathologic, ultrasonographic, and hepatic scintigraphi c findings were recorded during the development of hepatic disease and PSS. Surgery was then performed to permit visual verification of multiple shunt s, catheter placement for portography examination, and biopsy of the liver. All diseased dogs developed severe hepatic disease and multiple PSS as doc umented visually at surgery and on portography. Based on this study, dimeth ylnitrosamine-induced portosystemic shunting appears to be an appropriate m odel for spontaneously occurring multiple PSS secondary to portal hypertens ion.