Endocrine Signalling Group, Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
Published: February 2024
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are vascular anomalies resulting in liver hypoplasia and hepatic insufficiency. Cats with CPSS typically show signs of hepatic encephalopathy associated with increased ammonia, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Surgical attenuation of the CPSS results in improved liver function, resolution of clinical signs, and increased portal blood flow. Hepatic gene expression has not previously been investigated in cats with CPSS. Here, we compared the hepatic expression of genes involved in the urea cycle (, ), angiogenesis (, , , , , ), liver regeneration (, , ), and metabolism () from a small series of cats ( = 18) with CPSS to that of control cats ( = 10). The expression of , , , , and was significantly elevated in liver biopsies from cats with CPSS. Cats that could only tolerate partial closure of their CPSS had increased hepatic expression of , , and compared with those that could tolerate complete ligation. Furthermore, there were no significant correlations between gene expression and pre-operative plasma ammonia concentrations in cats with CPSS. The changes in hepatic gene expression in cats with CPSS are in direct contrast to those seen in dogs with CPSS, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be involved in mediating hepatic changes in cats with CPSS.
Background: Tremors have been reported as a neurological sign in cats with hepatic encephalopathy due to congenital portosystemic shunts (HE-CPSS) or postattenuation neurological syndrome (PANS).
Methods: The clinical records of cats diagnosed with HE-CPSS and manifesting tremors between 2003 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed to characterise the clinical features of the tremors.
Results: Nineteen cats with HE-CPSS were included, of which 17 manifested tremors at admission and two had PANS.
Objectives: The efficiency and validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys were determined for pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a clinic setting.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Setting: Single-institution, Level I trauma center.
Neurological symptoms that occur after treatment of portosystemic shunts, in cats, known as post-attenuation neurological signs (PANS) can be quite severe. This study seeks to analyze a better understanding of the neurological outcomes that result from reducing portosystemic shunts in felines and provide insights that could guide future clinical approaches and treatment strategies for congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).The research utilized the MOOSE Checklist as a guide.
Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are vascular anomalies resulting in liver hypoplasia and hepatic insufficiency. Cats with CPSS typically show signs of hepatic encephalopathy associated with increased ammonia, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Surgical attenuation of the CPSS results in improved liver function, resolution of clinical signs, and increased portal blood flow.
Companion Animal Clinic (Surgery and Obstetrics Unit), School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are a common vascular anomaly of the liver in dogs and cats. Clinical signs of CPSS are non-specific and may wax and wane, while laboratory findings can raise the clinical suspicion for CPSS, but they are also not specific. Definitive diagnosis will be established by evaluation of liver function tests and diagnostic imaging.
