Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A canine case of multiple intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.
- Journal:
- The Journal of veterinary medical science
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Yoda, Shinichiro et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Medicine · Japan
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old spayed female Maltese dog was brought to the vet because she was eating less than usual, losing weight, drinking a lot, and having trouble walking. Blood tests showed high levels of certain liver enzymes and ammonia, which can indicate liver problems. A special imaging test showed some unusual blood vessel patterns in her liver, but it wasn't enough to make a clear diagnosis. During surgery, the vets found several small blood vessels connecting the portal vein (which carries blood to the liver) to the main vein, confirming the diagnosis of multiple intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (MIPSS), which is a condition where blood bypasses the liver. They decided to manage her condition with medical treatment.
Abstract
An elderly, spayed female Maltese dog (10 years 3 months, 2.2 kg) presented with hyporexia, weight loss, polydipsia, and a staggering gait. Serum biochemistry analysis revealed increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, ammonia (226 μg/dL), and fasting total bile acids (130 μmol/L). Contrast-enhanced CT showed multiple clusters of contrast enhancement within the hepatic parenchyma; however, discrete shunt vessels could not be clearly identified, and a definitive diagnosis could not be established based on CT alone. Intraoperative jejunal venous portography revealed numerous microvascular clusters connecting portal branches to the hepatic vein and caudal vena cava. The portal pressure was 7 mmHg. Based on these findings, multiple intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (MIPSS) were diagnosed, and medical management was selected.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41922215/