Clinicopathologic features of dogs with hepatic microvascular dysplasia with and without portosystemic shunts: 42 cases (1991-1996)

Abstract

Objective: To identify and compare clinicopathologic features between dogs with hepatic microvascular dysplasia (HMD) and confirmed portosystemic shunts (PSS) and dogs with HMD alone and to determine whether any discriminating variables can be identified to differentiate the conditions.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 42 dogs with HMD.

Procedure: Medical records of dogs with HMD examined between January 1991 and October 1996 at 3 veterinary hospitals were reviewed.

Results: Compared with dogs with PSS and HMD, dogs with HMD alone were older and had higher values for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum total protein, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol, BUN, and blood glucose concentrations. Compared with dogs with HMD alone, dogs with PSS and HMD had higher values for pre- and postprandial serum bile acid concentrations, WBC, and serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. The most discriminating variables for the 2 conditions were serum postprandial bile acid concentrations, MCV, and serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations.

Clinical implications: The discriminant variables of postprandial serum bile acid concentrations, MCV, and serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations may be useful in distinguishing between dogs with HMD alone and dogs with PSS and HMD.