Percutaneous transvenous coil embolization of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a cat

Abstract

Case summary A 10-month-old male domestic shorthair cat presented for surgical treatment of a congenital portosystemic shunt. The cat had a history of lethargy and ptyalism. Pre- and postprandial bile acids were markedly elevated. CT was performed, which revealed a single, congenital, left gastrophrenic, extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. A minimally invasive surgical approach was considered by transjugular percutaneous coil embolization of the venous shunt, which was performed without complications. Follow-up protein C and serum biochemical analyses were performed at 1, 2 and 5 months postoperatively, and were improved. The cat is alive and clinically normal 11 months postoperatively. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of percutaneous transvenous coil embolization for the treatment of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a cat. The outcome was excellent in this patient, with no complications and complete resolution of clinical signs.