Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
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Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract
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Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract
Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract
Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook