Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with multiple liver shunts from underdeveloped portal vein
By Sugimoto, Satoko et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2018·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts secondary to primary hypoplasia of the portal vein in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old spayed female Scottish Fold cat was brought in because she had been showing signs of trouble walking, excessive drooling, and low energy for about a month. Blood tests revealed high ammonia levels, and imaging showed multiple abnormal blood vessels indicating a serious liver issue called acquired portosystemic shunts. A liver biopsy confirmed that her portal vein was underdeveloped, leading to these complications. This case is unique as it highlights how a congenital liver condition can lead to multiple shunts and brain problems in cats. Treatment options would typically focus on managing the symptoms and supporting liver function.
People also search for: cat gait problems · Scottish Fold cat liver disease · portosystemic shunt treatment in cats
Abstract
A 6-year 5-month-old spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with a one-month history of gait abnormalities, increased salivation, and decreased activity. A blood test showed hyperammonemia and increased serum bile acids. Imaging tests revealed multiple shunt vessels indicating acquired portosystemic shunt. Histopathologic analysis of liver biopsy showed features consistent with liver hypoperfusion, such as a barely recognizable portal vein, increased numbers of small arterioles, and diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. These findings supported the diagnosis of primary hypoplasia of the portal vein/microvascular dysplasia, (PHPV/MVD). To our knowledge, this is the first case of feline PHPV/MVD that developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts and presented with hepatic encephalopathy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29628453/