Inaccuracy of serum bile acids to predict closure after surgical attenuation of a portosystemic shunt

A four-month-old entire female miniature schnauzer became clinically normal after surgical attenuation of a portosystemic shunt was conducted using thin film banding. Postoperatively, preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids were within normal limits at repeated occasions. On the contrary, trans-splenic portal scintigraphy at 3 and at 28 months postoperatively showed a shunt fraction of 7 and 89 per cent, respectively. This case report illustrates that preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids are not always reliable in determining shunt closure after surgical attenuation.

Publication year:2018

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