Disorder - Budd-Chiari syndrome

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
BCS, Budd-Chiari-like-syndrome (BCLS), intravascular fibrous web

Presenting Signs

BCS can result from an obstruction blocking blood flow between the liver and the heart, or from abnormal blood vessels running through the liver. The blockage is most commonly found in the right atrium, a chamber of the heart, or in the nearby vessel, the caudal vena cava. Most of the obstructions are caused by a fibrous web inside the vessel. The blockage causes high pressure in the blood vessels. This results in proteins and fluids being forced through the walls of the blood vessels into body cavities (effusion) and under the skin (oedema). The abdomen accumulates fluid and protein and becomes distended (ascites); this may occur over a period of weeks to months. The cat may show signs of pain when the abdominal is palpated. The animal may have a history of worsening lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss and abdominal swelling. The back muscles may seem wasted. The cat may also have difficulty breathing and may faint. Patients may have an abnormally large liver or a small irregular-shaped liver.

Cats at Risk

Any. This syndrome has been reported in three cats only. All were young males up to three years of age.

Treatment

Surgical The aim of the surgery is to remove the obstruction to blood flow. This may be done by widening the vein, removing the blockage, stitching a graft on to the vein or removing the narrowed section of the vein. If the problem is within the liver the surgeon may try to widen the vein by inserting a small balloon into the vein and then inflating it.

PubMed References
Budd-Chiari syndrome

Contributor
Naomi Singleton