UK Study Flags Urolithiasis Risk in Dogs With PPVH

A UK multi-centre veterinary study has found that nearly one-third of dogs diagnosed with primary portal vein hypoplasia (PPVH) develop urolithiasis, most commonly with ammonium biurate crystals. Published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice on 30 July 2026, the retrospective study was led by Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists and reviewed cases from 15 UK referral hospitals, providing new evidence to guide urolithiasis screening in dogs with PPVH.

The study assessed prevalence and clinical significance of urolithiasis in dogs diagnosed with PPVH, a congenital malformation of the portal vein. 29% of dogs with PPVH developed urolithiasis, all with associated crystalluria. Three affected dogs presented with ammonium biurate crystals and one with bilirubin crystals. Three of the four affected dogs had cystoliths (bladder stones), including one with concurrent multifocal obstructive ureterolithiasis. All affected dogs presented with gastrointestinal clinical signs, while only half showed lower urinary tract signs such as haematuria or pollakiuria, highlighting the diagnostic value of screening for urolithiasis even in the absence of urinary symptoms.

Acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were markedly more common in the urolithiasis group, occurring in half of affected dogs compared with 10% of unaffected dogs, indicating that acquired shunt formation may be an important co-morbidity or pathophysiological driver in PPVH-associated urolithiasis. The authors also noted that urolithiasis appears less common in dogs with PPVH than in those with congenital portosystemic shunt, an important distinction for evidence-based case management. The findings support routine urinalysis and abdominal imaging as part of workup for PPVH cases, particularly those presenting with gastrointestinal signs but without overt urinary symptoms.

The commercial signal is a small but meaningful expansion of clinical guidance around portal vein disease in canine specialty practice. Screening protocols will increasingly integrate urolithiasis workup, driving demand for advanced imaging and urinalysis products. Expect IDEXX, Zoetis Diagnostics, GE HealthCare, Esaote and Mars Petcare’s Antech to sharpen their veterinary specialty diagnostics positioning through the rest of 2026 and 2027.

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