How long can a puppy live with a liver shunt?
A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is any vascular anomaly that allows blood from the hepatic portal circulation to bypass the liver and be delivered directly into the systemic circulation. The life expectancy of animals that are medically managed is generally reported to be 2 months to 2 years.
How common is a liver shunt in puppies?
Causes of Liver Shunts in Dogs Congenital shunts are most common, being responsible for approximately 80 percent of cases. Dogs are usually quite young (less than 3 years old) when they start experiencing symptoms. A genetic cause is known for some breeds and suspected in others.
Are Yorkies prone to liver shunts?
According to the University of Tennessee, Yorkshire terriers have a nearly 36 times greater risk of liver shunt development than all other breeds combined. Fortunately, most Yorkies respond well to surgery correcting this congenital issue.
What causes a liver shunt in a puppy?
These shunts most commonly develop as a result of chronic high blood pressure in the portal vein. This high blood pressure causes small vessels to reopen that should remain closed after birth. These vessels are typically located outside of the liver near the kidneys.
How long can a Yorkie live with a liver shunt?
About one-third of the dogs treated medically will live a relatively long life. Unfortunately, over half of the dogs treated medically are euthanized within ten months of diagnosis because of uncontrollable neurological signs such as seizures, behavioral changes, or progressive liver damage.
Can a puppy live with a liver shunt?
A liver shunt can go unnoticed in a dog but will likely cause serious health problems if left untreated over time. Severe liver shunts can cause seizures and may be fatal, so recognizing signs of this congenital condition may save your dog’s life.
What do you feed a puppy with a liver shunt?
Better treat options for dogs with shunts include meat-free dog biscuits, human snacks such as animal crackers and breakfast cereal, or non-toxic fruits and vegetables. In summary, dietary changes can be very important to help manage pets with liver shunts.
How do you treat a Yorkie liver shunt?
Surgery is often the treatment of choice for most dogs with a portosystemic liver shunt. As a result of surgery, the abnormal vessel is attenuated so that blood can be redirected to the liver and blood flow is restored.
How do you treat liver shunt in puppies?