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Diagnosis and Medical Management of Liver Shunts

Portosystemic shunts can be diagnosed via several methods including:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Nuclear scintigraphy
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • 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.

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Internal Medicine

VCA ASEC's Board Certified Internists, Dr. Betty Chow, Dr. Todd Cohen and Dr. Sam Trivedi are leading experts at performing minimally invasive laser & endoscopic procedures. They handle complex disease conditions of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system, endocrine organs, lungs, and immune system. VCA ASEC offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, working closely with the primary veterinarian to give pets the highest level of care.

Internal Medicine Department’s Services

• Cystoscopy
• Gastroduodenoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Rhinoscopy
• Nasopharyngoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Vaginourethroscopy
• Ultrasonography & guided aspirates/biopsies
• Transtracheal wash
• Bronchoalveolar lavage
• Bone marrow aspirates
• Oncologic evaluation
• Arthrocentesis
• PEG and esophagostomy tube placement
• Laser Lithotripsy
• Laser Ectopic Ureter Ablation
• Endoscopic-Assisted Gastropexy
• Contrast Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

 

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Our Internal Medicine Services

Abdominocentesis
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Arthrocentesis
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL
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Bronchoscopy
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