Portosystemic shunts can be diagnosed via several methods including:

  1. Abdominal ultrasound
  2. Nuclear scintigraphy
  3. Abdominal CT scan
  4. Cranial mesenteric arteriograms

Abdominal ultrasound is considered the least invasive. However, it only has approximately 70% sensitivity (ability to diagnose a portosystemic shunt when present). Abdominal CT scan and cranial mesenteric arteriograms require general anesthesia and are costly, but they provide the anatomy of the shunting vessel. Nuclear scintigraphy is considered the gold standard (best test available) test and it is non-invasive. Nonetheless, patients become radioactive for 12-24 hours. This may require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Medical management of liver shunts is done via controlling clinical signs. This is best attained by using a combination of diet, antibiotics and laxatives. Treatment is tailored to each individual patient.

See our departments

Internal Medicine

The Internal Medicine department is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for you and your pet. 

Internal Medicine Specialists obtain additional training to diagnose and manage complex disease processes. Internists have extensive knowledge regarding the diagnostic evaluation and management of pets with immune-mediated disease, endocrine disorders, infectious diseases, respiratory disease, kidney/urogenital disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, bone marrow disorders, cancer, and age-related conditions.

The Internal Medicine team utilizes our on-site digital radiography, ultrasound, CT, and our in-house laboratory as well as outside reference laboratories when needed. Internal Medicine Specialists are adept at using a wide array of endoscopic procedures including rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate specific areas and obtain samples. Internists may also employ minimally invasive diagnostic procedures such as joint fluid collection, cerebrospinal fluid tap, mass biopsies and bone marrow collection for additional information. Internists are trained to analyze this diagnostic data in relation to the clinical picture and develop a treatment plan for your pet.

Consultations with the internal medicine team can be made by referral from your family veterinarian. We look forward to participating in your pet’s care.
 

Our Internal Medicine Services

Abdominocentesis
Arthrocentesis
Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL
Bronchoscopy

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