Diagnosis and medical treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis is the partial or total obstruction of blood flow due to a thrombus in the hepatic portal system. This case report outlines the diagnosis and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a rabbit. The animal presented for inappetence and lack of faecal production, and was found to have markedly elevated alanine transaminase on biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a focal hyperechoic structure within the right intrahepatic portal venous branches, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit was subsequently diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis and treated with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban. Thirty‐two days after presentation, the previously noted intrahepatic portal venous thrombus had resolved, with normal flow visualised in the portal venous branches on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit has remained stable for 1 year 5 months after cessation of treatment.