Hepatic microvascular dysplasia in dogs: A retrospective study of 24 cases(1987-1995)

Hepatic microvascular dysplasia (HMD) is a disease involving a microscopic shunting of blood through the liver without the presence of a macroscopic p ortosystemic shunt (PSS), Data was collected from medical records and telep hone conversations with referring veterinarians and owners of 24 dogs diagn osed with HMD, Criteria for diagnosis included histopathological evidence o f microvascular dysplasia on hepatic biopsy as well as surgical exploration and a normal mesenteric portogram to rule out a macroscopic PSS, Dogs with HMD frequently have less severe clinical signs and a better long-term prog nosis than do those with a PSS that are managed medically.