Short‐ and long‐term outcome and quality of life assessment in dogs undergoing transvenous coil embolization of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Objective:
To evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcomes and health‐related quality of life (Hr‐QoL) in dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cIHPSS) treated using percutaneous transcatheter embolization (PTCE).

Study design:
Single center retrospective and prospective study.

Animals:
Sixty‐one client‐owned dogs.

Methods:
Medical records were reviewed, and owners completed validated Hr‐QoL and congenital portosystemic shunt scoring (Hr‐CPSS) questionnaires. Hr‐QoL scores ranged from 0 (worst) to 100 (best), and Hr‐CPSS from 0 (best) to 100 (worst). Survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Medical or dietary management at final follow‐up were recorded.

Results:
Median follow‐up time was 769 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 297–1865). Median survival time was 1496 days. At last follow‐up, 33 of 59 dogs remained on medical management and/or a specialized diet. Median Hr‐CPSS significantly decreased from prediagnosis (25 [IQR: 18–51.3]) to post‐PTCE (5 [IQR: 3–11]; p < .001), but not between post‐medical and post‐PTCE (p = .68). Median Hr‐QoL scores improved post‐PTCE (100 [IQR: 80–100]) compared to prediagnosis (35 [IQR: 10–50], p < .0001), and post‐medical (75 [IQR: 40–90], p = .005) as well as between prediagnosis and post‐medical (p = .038). One‐, two‐, and five‐year survival rates were 83%, 66%, and 54%, respectively.

Conclusion:
Treatment of cIHPSS with PTCE in dogs was associated with a good long‐term survival and significant improvement in QoL and clinical signs. Impact: The combination of PTCE and targeted medical management provides an effective minimally invasive treatment option for dogs with cIHPSS, supporting improved longevity and quality of life.