Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Antibiotics, cortisone, ursodeoxycholic acid, fluids, nausea control
and nutrition are components of successful treatment. Long-term treat-
ment to control inflammation may be needed.
Liver Shunts
Portal shunts are abnormal blood vessels that prevent the flow of blood
from the stomach and intestines to the liver. Blood must pass through
the liver for proper digestion and detoxification of materials absorbed
from the digestive tract. Cats with shunts can have seizures, behavior
changes and other neurological signs, especially after eating.
Congenital (present at birth) shunts are the most common type.
Affected kittens tend to have retarded growth and development, in
addition to neurological signs. It is very apparent that something is
wrong in these kittens by the time they are six months old.
Acquired shunts are infrequently seen in older cats, and occur as a
result of increased blood pressure around the liver due to other diseases.
Routine blood tests do not specifically diagnose a shunt, but a bile
acids test suggests the problem. Ultrasound and hepatic scintigraphy (a
special test using radiation) aid in the diagnosis. Contrast portography
is another specialized test using dye and X rays to see the shunts.
Most congenital shunts involve one blood vessel that can be surgi-
cally closed to treat the problem and redirect blood flow. Medical man-
agement to control toxins in the blood and underlying liver disease are
needed to treat acquired shunts. The prognosis depends on the age of
the animal and the number of shunts present.
PANCREATITIS
The pancreas is an abdominal organ that aids digestion by creating and
releasing enzymes and secreting insulin needed for glucose absorption.
Bacterial infections, trauma and toxins can cause pancreatitis, an
inflammatory condition of the pancreas, but the cause is unknown in
90 percent of cases. Clinical signs are nonspecific and can include
lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, hypothermia, dehydration and abdominal
pain.
Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats is a challenge.Abnormal levels of the
pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase in the blood are not diagnostic,
the way they are in dogs. X rays, ultrasound and a special test for feline
TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) suggest the diagnosis, but it cannot
be confirmed without a biopsy.
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