Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Hampshire vets to offer novel liver shunt procedure
'The novel aspects of this technique lead to relatively low complication with high success rates' - SCVS.
Technique developed at the University of Giessen, Germany 

A novel canine liver shunt procedure is being made available in the UK for the first time.

The technique - a minimally invasive, interventional closure of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts - is being offered by the cardiovascular interventional service at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists (SCVS), Hampshire.

SCVS gained access to the technique after working with the University of Giessen, Germany, where the technique was pioneered by one of the most experienced veterinary interventionists in mainland Europe.

Writing on its website, SCVS notes that the technique ‘avoids the need for stent placement within the caudal vena cava and closes the shunt at a different level compared to the stent and coil technique.’

It adds that this ‘avoids the risk of development of collateral veto-venous shunts’ - something that has reportedly occurred in the stent and coil embolisation method.

The procedure involves approaching the hepatic vasculature through an access catheter inserted within the jugular vein. A large, single coil is then positioned within the shunt vessel with portal pressures and blood flow checked before, during and after placement.

SCVS writes that this allows for the controlled closure of the shunt vessels, avoiding the risk of severe portal hypertension and allowing gradual complete shunt closure in most patients.

‘Complete shunt closure is important for a good longtime outcome,’ SCVS notes. ‘The novel aspects of this technique lead to relatively low complication with high success rates.’

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.