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Spies et al: Clinical presentation and short‐term outcomes of dogs ≥15 kg with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • 63 dogs ≥15 kg with single EHPSS were reviewed.
  • Most common breeds: Golden Retriever (28.6%), mixed breed (20.6%).
  • Most common shunt types: splenocaval (25.4%) and portocaval (25.4%).
  • 45 dogs received surgical attenuation; 18 were medically managed.
  • 6.7% (3/45) of surgically treated dogs died due to shunt-related complications; 22.2% (4/18) of medically managed dogs died.
  • Hypoplastic portal vein was noted in 52.9% of dogs where portal anatomy was described.
  • 37.5% of surviving attenuated dogs were weaned off all medical management.
  • Attenuated dogs had higher 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates (89%, 77%, 77%) than nonattenuated dogs (82%, 49%, 24%).

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← Articles

Spies et al: Clinical presentation and short‐term outcomes of dogs ≥15 kg with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • 63 dogs ≥15 kg with single EHPSS were reviewed.
  • Most common breeds: Golden Retriever (28.6%), mixed breed (20.6%).
  • Most common shunt types: splenocaval (25.4%) and portocaval (25.4%).
  • 45 dogs received surgical attenuation; 18 were medically managed.
  • 6.7% (3/45) of surgically treated dogs died due to shunt-related complications; 22.2% (4/18) of medically managed dogs died.
  • Hypoplastic portal vein was noted in 52.9% of dogs where portal anatomy was described.
  • 37.5% of surviving attenuated dogs were weaned off all medical management.
  • Attenuated dogs had higher 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates (89%, 77%, 77%) than nonattenuated dogs (82%, 49%, 24%).

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Spies 2024 et al., on EHPSS in large dogs, what proportion of surviving surgically treated dogs were completely weaned off medical management?

A. 15%
B. 25%
C. 37.5%
D. 50%
E. 66.7%

Answer: 37.5%

Explanation: Of the 40 surviving dogs who underwent attenuation, 15 were weaned off all medications.
In Spies 2024 et al., on EHPSS in large dogs, which was the most common shunt type identified?

A. Splenoazygous
B. Portoazygous
C. Splenocaval
D. Left gastrophrenic
E. Right gastric

Answer: Splenocaval

Explanation: Splenocaval shunts were observed in 25.4% of dogs, making them the most common type alongside portocaval shunts.
In Spies 2024 et al., on EHPSS in large dogs, what was the most common clinical sign at presentation?

A. Seizures
B. Lethargy
C. Ataxia
D. Anorexia
E. Polyuria/polydipsia

Answer: Lethargy

Explanation: Lethargy was reported in 61.9% of dogs, making it the most common presenting clinical sign.
In Spies 2024 et al., on EHPSS in large dogs, what survival rate at 5 years was observed in dogs who underwent surgical attenuation?

A. 24%
B. 49%
C. 60%
D. 77%
E. 89%

Answer: 77%

Explanation: Surgically attenuated dogs had a 77% survival rate at 5 years.
In Spies 2024 et al., on EHPSS in large dogs, what percentage of surgically treated dogs died from shunt-related complications?

A. 2.2%
B. 6.7%
C. 11.5%
D. 22.2%
E. 33.3%

Answer: 6.7%

Explanation: Three of 45 dogs treated surgically (6.7%) died due to shunt-related complications.

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