Mango's Story

Rescued from an uncertain fate and barely alive Mango was brought into rescue and immediately take to CATS ONLY VETERINARY CLINIC in Columbus, OHIO.

Born with an abnormal blood vessel, called a portosystemic shunt (PSS). This is an uncommon birth defect, most often seen in Persians and Himalayans.  Normally blood from the intestines flows through the liver to allow for removal of toxins from the blood before it reaches the rest of the body.  In Mango, this abnormal blood vessel allowed the toxins to reach the rest of the body without going through the liver.  So Basically  his body was being poisoned, especially his brain.  Cats with this problem are usually very small for their age, often show various neurologic signs such as drooling and seizures and may have bad reactions to medications or anesthesia.  A radiologist donated his time to help us locate Mango's abnormal blood vessel through ultrasound.  A surgeon then placed a special  implant (called an ameroid constrictor) around the abnormal vessel that will gradually constrict the blood vessel (make it smaller) until it no longer carries a significant amount of blood.  Then the blood will flow normally through the liver. 

For right now Mango is still on a special diet, but hopefully in a couple of months he will be able to eat regular cat food.  We will always need to be careful with any medications or anesthetic agents we give Mango in the future, since his liver may never be entirely normal.  But we are hopeful he will live a long and healthy life.

Mango has since been adopted by Dr.Jessica Stern and family and continues to improve as time passes.

We would like to thank all the Drs. who donated their time and skills to help give  Mango the chance for a better quality of life.   Dr. Dan Smeak, Surgeon, (OSU) Dr. Anthony Fascietti, Radiologist  (OSU)and a special thanks to all the Drs. at CATS ONLY VETERINARY CLINIC for donating their time and hospital to help save Mango.

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Last modified: 04/14/06