Retrospective Review of 27 Cases of Congenital Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs from 2015 to 2023

Abstract: The study aims to conduct a retrospective review of 27 cases of a congenital portosys-temic shunt in dogs from 2015 to 2023, providing insights into classification, clinical man-ifestations, diagnostics, anaesthesia, surgery, and perioperative care. Initiation of medi-cal therapy at least 14 days before surgery aims to alleviate clinical signs and mitigate anaesthesia and surgery risks, emphasising a low-protein diet and lactulose to trap am-monium ions in the intestinal lumen and was strictly followed in all patients. Changes in drug uptake, metabolism, and excretion should be considered when choosing an anaes-thesia protocol. All dogs, except one with absent portal vein, underwent cellophane placement, facilitating gradual shunt closure. All dogs recovered uneventfully from sur-gery without evidence of portal hypertension and showed clinical improvement after that. Keywords: Portosystemic shunts, dogs, cellophane attenuation, perioperative preparation