These findings indicated that healthy colony cats and pet cats have high numbers of bacteria in the duodenum, including high numbers of obligate anaerobes. Our findings also suggest that bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is not a common clinical syndrome in cats with chronic nonobstructive gastrointestinal tract disease.

Ante mortem diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis was determined ultrasonographically in four dogs. In each dog the thrombus was visible in two‐dimensional, grey‐scale images of the portal vein obtained through a right intercostal window. Duplex‐Doppler measurements and color‐Doppler images provided information about the effects of thrombosis on portal blood flow. Reduced portal blood flow compatible with portal hypertension was detected in three dogs. A hypercoagulable state was probably involved in the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis in two dogs, one with pancreatitis and gastrointestinal blood loss and another with protein‐losing nephropathy and probable immune‐mediated anemia. The third dog had chronic ehrlichiosis; thrombosis was probably secondary to vasculitis. The remaining dog had thrombosis secondary to invasion of the portal vein by a recurrent duodenal neoplasm. This dog was euthanized because the tumor was considered inoperable. The dog with pancreatitis developed acute portal hypertension due to obstruction of the portal vein by the thrombus and was euthanized. The dogs with protein‐losing nephropathy and ehrlichiosis were treated medically and recovered. Although portal vein thrombosis is uncommon, this complication should be considered in dogs with a variety of abdominal or systemic disorders. Ultrasonography is a practical method for diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis and detection of the underlying cause.

FELINE hypertension is being diagnosed with increasing frequency as more and more veterinary practices acquire the necessary equipment to perform indirect monitoring of blood pressure in cats. Mean arterial blood pressure is determined by the cardiac output (stroke volume x heart rate) and the peripheral vascular resistance. It is known to increase with age in cats, and patients suffering from the more common feline diseases such as chronic renal disease, hyperthyroidism and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are thought to be particularly susceptible to high blood pressure. While hypertension in cats usually occurs secondarily to other diseases, there is emerging evidence that primary hypertension exists in this species. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of feline hypertension are still not fully understood and more research is required in this area. This article presents practical advice to assist in the early detection and management of the condition, which are key to preventing severe clinical disease.

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