Vascular Anomalies in Dogs & Cats
Vascular anomalies are abnormalities in blood vessel development that can cause serious, often life-altering symptoms in young pets. From portosystemic shunts that bypass the liver to vascular ring anomalies that compress the esophagus, these conditions require precise imaging to plan definitive treatment.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), CT angiography (CTA) uses precisely timed contrast injection and our 128-slice CT scanner to map the vascular anatomy in extraordinary detail. CTA reveals the exact location, size, and course of abnormal vessels — giving surgeons a three-dimensional road map for surgical correction.
SVI offers advanced CT angiography at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Vascular Anomalies We Diagnose
Vascular anomalies are most often congenital (present from birth) and typically affect young animals. Accurate identification of the specific anomaly — and its anatomical details — is essential for surgical planning. CT angiography has become the gold standard for this purpose.
Portosystemic Shunts (PSS)
Portosystemic shunts are abnormal blood vessels that divert blood around the liver instead of through it, preventing normal detoxification and causing neurological signs (hepatic encephalopathy), poor growth, urinary problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms. CT angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing PSS because it shows the exact origin, course, and insertion of the shunting vessel, whether the shunt is extrahepatic or intrahepatic, and the portal vasculature anatomy — all of which determine whether surgical ligation, ameroid constrictor placement, or medical management is the best approach.
Learn more about portosystemic shunts →Vascular Ring Anomalies
Vascular ring anomalies occur when embryonic blood vessels that should regress during development instead persist, forming a “ring” around the esophagus that causes regurgitation and megaesophagus. Persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) is the most common type. Puppies typically present with regurgitation when they start eating solid food. CT angiography maps the anomalous vessels, identifies which structures form the ring, and reveals whether additional anomalies (like an aberrant subclavian artery) are present — all essential information for surgical correction.
Learn more about vascular ring anomalies →Ectopic Ureters
Ectopic ureters are a congenital anomaly where one or both ureters connect to the bladder in the wrong location (or bypass it entirely), causing urinary incontinence that typically presents in young female dogs. CT with contrast excretory imaging maps the exact course of both ureters from the kidneys to the bladder, identifies whether the ectopy is unilateral or bilateral, and shows whether the ureters tunnel within the bladder wall (intramural) or insert completely outside it — distinctions that determine whether laser ablation or surgical reimplantation is most appropriate.
Learn more about ectopic ureters →CT Angiography (CTA)
CT angiography extends beyond specific named conditions to provide detailed vascular mapping for any situation where blood vessel anatomy needs to be precisely defined. Arteriovenous malformations, aortic thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and complex vascular anatomy near tumors all benefit from CTA. The precisely timed contrast bolus highlights arteries and veins separately, producing images that can be reconstructed into 3D vascular maps for surgical or interventional planning.
Learn more about CT angiography →Hepatic Arteriovenous Malformations
Hepatic arteriovenous malformations are rare but serious congenital connections between hepatic arteries and veins that cause portal hypertension, ascites (abdominal fluid), and acquired portosystemic shunts. CT angiography is essential for distinguishing these from simple portosystemic shunts, as the treatment approach is fundamentally different. CTA reveals the high-flow arteriovenous communication, associated aneurysmal dilation, and the secondary shunting vessels that develop as a consequence of elevated portal pressure.
Learn more about hepatic AV malformations →Breeds Commonly Affected
Vascular anomalies affect certain breeds disproportionately. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pugs, and Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Irish Wolfhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers have higher rates of intrahepatic shunts. German Shepherds and Irish Setters are predisposed to persistent right aortic arch. Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers have elevated rates of ectopic ureters. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are predisposed to both ectopic ureters and portosystemic shunts.
How CT Angiography Helps
CT angiography (CTA) combines the speed and resolution of our 128-slice CT scanner with precisely timed intravenous contrast injection to capture the vascular system at peak opacification. This produces detailed three-dimensional maps of arteries and veins that reveal the exact anatomy of vascular anomalies — information that ultrasound and standard CT cannot provide with the same clarity.
Each study is reviewed by our board-certified veterinary radiologists, who provide detailed vascular maps, 3D reconstructions, and work directly with your veterinarian or surgeon to guide treatment planning.
What to Expect During Your Visit
CT angiography requires precise timing of the contrast injection relative to the scan. An IV catheter is placed and your pet is positioned under brief general anesthesia. A contrast bolus is injected and the scanner captures images during the peak vascular phase — all within seconds. The entire visit typically takes about an hour, and most pets recover quickly from the short anesthesia.
Results are interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and your veterinarian or surgeon typically receives a detailed report with 3D vascular reconstructions the same day.
Learn more about veterinary CT at Sage →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having a portosystemic shunt, vascular ring anomaly, ectopic ureters, or other vascular abnormality, CT angiography provides the precise vascular mapping needed for effective treatment planning.
Schedule a CT Angiography Study
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet’s vascular imaging study. Our team will work directly with your veterinarian or surgeon.
Vascular Imaging FAQ
Ready to Get Answers?
Advanced CT angiography can map your pet’s vascular anatomy with precision and provide the surgical road map needed for effective treatment. Visit one of our locations to get started.