RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS OF THE 28th ECVIM-CA CONGRESS

To evaluate the relationship between portal hypertension and RAAS in dogs, we selected dogs histopathologically diagnosed with primary hypoplasia of the portal vein (PHPV) with portal hypertension. Diagnosis of portal hypertension was based on the presence of acquired portosystemic collaterals (APSCs). Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS) are reported to have similar histopathological and hemodynamic alterations compared to PHPV, without the evidence of portal hypertension. Thus dogs diagnosed as CPSS were evaluated as controls. Diagnosis of CPSS and APSCs was determined by computed tomographic angiography and gross evaluation by laparoscopy. For RAAS assessment, we measured plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration using radioimmunoassay technique. All blood samples were obtained at diagnosis and stored at −20°C until analyzed.