GRADUAL OCCLUSION OF EXTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN DOGS AND CATS USING THE AMEROID CONSTRICTOR

Gradual occlusion of the splenic vein, using a specialized device (ame roid constrictor), was evaluated experimentally in three normal beagle dogs. Splenoportograms were used to verify that total occlusion of th e splenic vein had occurred in all dogs within 4 to 5 weeks after appl ication of the device. The ameroid constrictor (AC) was also evaluated as a method of gradual vascular occlusion in 12 dogs and two cats wit h single, extrahepatic, portosystemic shunts (PSS). Serum bile acid (S EA) concentrations were measured and portal scintigraphy (PS) was perf ormed on all 14 animals preoperatively and 10, 20, 30, and 60 days pos toperatively. Two dogs (14%) died from portal hypertension in the earl y postoperative period. One dog and one cat developed multiple acquire d PSS, confirmed by mesenteric portography 90 days after the operation . Portal scintigraphy confirmed total occlusion of the primary shunt i n the other 10 animals. Shunt fractions (SF), as measured by PS on pos toperative days 30 and 60, declined significantly from preoperative va lues. Significant decreases were noted between preoperative and postop erative values for preprandial SEA on postoperative day 60 and for pos tprandial SEA on postoperative day 30. SBA concentrations did not corr elate with SF. Based on this study, gradual vascular occlusion using t he AC is recommended as a method for treatment of single, extrahepatic , PSS. (C) Copyright 1996 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeo ns