Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Cats: Surgical management and prognosis

Practical relevanceAlthough the surgical management of feline congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSSs) is normally performed at specialist centres, a good knowledge of treatment options and prognosis is important for the general practitioner when advising clients.Clinical challengesA variety of surgical techniques are described for the correction of CPSSs in cats. Choosing between the different techniques is a challenge, given the limited availability of evidence supporting one technique over another. In addition, postoperative complications, and in particular neurological complications, are seen more frequently in the cat than the dog and thus postoperative monitoring and treatment is critically important in feline patients.AudienceThis article summarises current evidence in surgical management and is aimed at practising veterinarians, postgraduate students and specialists alike.EquipmentSurgical management of CPSSs typically requires advanced surgical and critical care facilities. The precise nature will depend to some extent on the technique employed.Evidence baseThe evidence base for decision making in the surgical management of CPSSs is relatively sparse. In reviewing the evidence that is available, as well as the areas in which information is still lacking, this article may hopefully serve as a stimulus for further investigation into this condition.