Urolithiasis and crystalluria in dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia: a retrospective study (2010-2023).
Travail V, Walton-Clark M, Motta C, Serrani D, Pilati F, Dye C, Prior C, Kent A, Mareli O, Davenport A, McLauchlan G, Conley T, Sanchez FV, Mansbridge N, DiBella A · Journal of Small Animal Practice · 8 July 2026
Dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia require urinalysis and imaging screening for urolithiasis.
This retrospective study examined 14 dogs with histopathologically confirmed primary portal vein hypoplasia across 15 UK referral hospitals between 2010-2023. The prevalence of urolithiasis was 28.5% (4/14 dogs), with all affected dogs displaying crystalluria. Three dogs (75%) had ammonium biurate crystals while one had bilirubin crystals. Half of the dogs with uroliths presented with lower urinary tract signs. Dogs with uroliths were significantly younger (median 15 months) compared to those without (39 months). Notably, 50% of dogs with uroliths developed acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts versus 10% without uroliths. The study emphasizes that primary portal vein hypoplasia predisposes dogs to urolithiasis affecting both upper and lower urinary tracts. Clinical implications include the recommendation for routine urinalysis and diagnostic imaging in dogs with this hepatic condition to identify concurrent urinary pathology and enable early intervention.
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