Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Computed tomographic angiography of a presumed acquired transhepatic portosystemic shunt in a miniature horse filly.
- Journal:
- Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Iranmanesh, Maryam et al.
- Affiliation:
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old Miniature Horse filly was brought to the vet because she was very tired and eating less than usual. Blood tests showed high levels of liver enzymes, bile acids, and ammonia, which suggested a problem with her liver, specifically a condition called a portosystemic shunt (PSS), where blood bypasses the liver. A special imaging test called computed tomographic angiography confirmed the presence of this shunt. A liver biopsy showed serious liver damage likely caused by toxins from certain plants. The treatment chosen was medical management, and this case is notable as it is the first report of this type of shunt in a horse.
Abstract
A 1-year-old Miniature Horse filly was presented for chronic lethargy and hyporexia. Elevated liver enzymes, bile acids, and ammonia were noted on bloodwork. The primary differential diagnosis was a portosystemic shunt (PSS). Three-phase computed tomographic angiography findings were consistent with a transhepatic portosystemic shunt. Percutaneous liver biopsy confirmed severe diffuse hepatic changes, most likely due to chronic pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis, and medical management was elected. Based on an extensive literature review, this is the first report of a transhepatic portosystemic collateral vessel in a horse. Computed tomographic angiography is feasible and useful for the diagnosis of PSS in miniature horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38940068/