The results indicated that both paired serum bile acids and blood ammonia levels were useful screening tests for portosystemic shunting.
However, paired bile acid tests were significantly more sensitive than blood ammonia levels.
Overall postoperative mortality rates for extrahepatic shunts and intrahepatic shunts were 8.7% and 20%, respectively. Postoperative mortality rates were slightly higher for animals treated with partial ligation when compared to those treated with ameroid ring placement, although this did not reach statistical significance.
Long-term complication rates for animals with single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts treated with complete ligation, ameroid ring placement, and partial ligation alone were 9%, 15.4%, and 42%, respectively. Animals >2 years of age with extrahepatic shunts had almost identical postoperative mortality and long-term complication rates as animals < or = 2 years of age.
No animal in this study had paired bile acid samples within the reference range postoperatively, indicating continued abnormal liver function after surgery.
Source: Winkler JT, Bohling MW, Tillson DM, Wright JC, Ballagas AJ. (2003): Portosystemic shunts: diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of 64 cases (1993-2001). In: J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2003 Mar-Apr;39(2):169-85
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