Acquired Portosystemic Shunting in Two Cats

Abstract

Acquired portosystemic shunts (PSS) are a clinical entity distinct from congenital PSS. Their apparent incidence in cats is low, which may reflect the rarity of predisposing hepatic parenchymal disease, such as cirrhosis, in this species. Two cats with acquired PSS associated with primary hepatobiliary disease are described. Relevant findings in acquired PSS are discussed, as are potential reasons for the apparently low incidence in the cat.