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Portal systemic shunt leads to abnormal blood flow where blood bypasses the liver, preventing the proper metabolism and detoxification of various substances. One of the significant consequences of this condition is the impaired regulation of blood glucose levels.

In healthy animals, the liver plays a crucial role in gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and glycogen storage. However, when there is a portal systemic shunt, the liver is unable to perform these functions efficiently because it is not receiving the usual blood flow carrying nutrients and hormones required for glucose metabolism.

This dysfunction can result in hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. Animals with a portal systemic shunt often present with episodes of hypoglycemia, particularly after fasting or exertion, as the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream is compromised.

In contrast to hypoglycemia, the other options do not have a direct association with portal systemic shunts. Elevated serum calcium typically relates to conditions like hyperparathyroidism. The presence of mummified kittens indicates issues with maternal health or fetal development, and hyperglycemia is more aligned with diseases such as diabetes mellitus but is not characteristic of portal systemic shunts. Thus