Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) causes partial or total obstruction of portal blood flow, leading to pre-hepatic portal hypertension. Canine PVT is considered a rare entity and is classified into two categories, acute and chronic, based on the presenting clinical conditions. Diagnosis of canine PVT is generally performed using abdominal ultrasound. However, ultrasound is operator dependent. In humans, computed tomography (CT) angiography is preferred for the diagnosis and extensive evaluation of PVT.

We retrospectively reviewed veterinary clinical data from 2008 through 2017, and included cases that were diagnosed as PVT using CT angiography. Chronic PVT was classified as PVT with the absence of abdominal pain or shock. Variables including signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were collected.

Eleven dogs were included in this study (seven male, four female). The median age and body weight were 11 years and 9.7 kg, respectively. Ten dogs had concurrent conditions, with pancreatitis (n=6) as the most frequent one. Glucocorticoids were administered prior to the diagnosis of PVT in six dogs, and ascites was confirmed in four dogs. Clinicopathological analysis revealed elevation of liver enzyme levels in eight dogs, hypoalbuminemia in nine, and thrombocytopenia in four. Serum D-dimer concentration was measured in ten dogs, with elevated values observed in all ten. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed PVT in eight dogs, but the diagnosis was missed in three. CT scan revealed PVT of the main portal vein in ten dogs. For those dogs for which we obtained follow-up data, two were re-examined using CT angiography. A reduction in size or organizing thrombi were confirmed in both.

In our study population, pancreatitis and the administration of glucocorticoids were found to be closely associated with chronic PVT. Although we succeeded in diagnosing PVT by ultrasonography in the majority of the dogs, this technique failed to provide a correct diagnosis in three. Thus, in cases where PVT is suspected based on laboratory test results and is undetected on an abdominal ultrasound scan, CT angiography would provide an alternative option for detailed diagnosis and followup.

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