Liver Shunts

What is Portosystemic Shunts or Liver Shunts?

Live shunts are blood vessels found in fetal animals. Basically, prior to birth these blood vessels supply the heart with blood circulating from the other major organs including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and spleen. Because the blood has yet to be filtered, it still contains a variety of substances and nutrients such as proteins, sugars, toxins, and bacteria. At birth, these shunts are supposed to shut down in order for the liver to take over proper functioning. However, with this condition the blood vessels remain, which does not allow for proper filtering of the blood. There are different types of shunts including:

• Congenital (present at birth): single blood vessels found inside the liver.


• Acquired (developed after birth): multiple blood vessels found within the liver. This type can cause severe liver disease and cirrhosis.


• Extrhepatic shunts: blood vessels that are found outside the liver. This is a less serious condition and is typically found in small dog breeds and toy breeds.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this disorder include:

• Growth disability
• Disorientation
• Changes in behavior
• Seizures
• Random circling
• Unusual staggering
• Temporary blindness
• Difficulties urinating

Causes

The cause of this disorder is believed to be a hereditary.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment and Prevention

Surgery is normally performed in order to close the shunts. This procedure however, can be somewhat difficult depending on the type of shunt. In addition, liver shunts indicate that the liver is underdeveloped. Thus, abruptly closing the blood vessels can be harmful due to the sudden change in liver function. Modifying the dog’s diet to limit the amount of protein intake may help as well. Basically, when protein is regulated, the production of toxic waste decreases. As a result, the liver is not required to filter as much waste. The best prevention method is not to breed carriers of this disorder.

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Liver Shunts