Morphology of congenital portosystemic shunts emanating from the left gastric vein in dogs and cats

Abstract

Objective: To describe the anatomy of congenital portosystemic shunts emanating from the left gastric vein in dogs and cats.

Methods: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs and cats managed for congenital portosystemic shunts.

Results: Forty-six dogs and 27 cats met the inclusion criteria of a congenital portosystemic shunt emanating from the left gastric vein. Of the 46 dogs, 28 (61%) had a shunt that entered the left phrenic vein, 10 (22%) had a shunt that entered the post hepatic caudal vena cava and in 8 (17%) the shunt entered the azygos vein. Of the 27 cats, 19 (70%) had a shunt that entered the left phrenic vein and 8 (30%) had a shunt that entered the post hepatic caudal vena cava.

Clinical significance: The systemic vein into which the shunt entered was consistent showing three common presentations: left gastro-phrenic, left gastro-caval and left gastro-azygos. This information may help with surgical planning in cases undergoing shunt closure surgery.