![]() Breeds at higher than average risk for congenital liver shunts include the Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Toy and Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Irish Wolfhound, Old English Sheepdog, Samoyed, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd.Īcquired shunts typically develop when blood pressure within the veins connecting the digestive tract to the liver becomes elevated-most often because of diseases that cause liver scarring (cirrhosis). A genetic cause is known for some breeds and suspected in others. Dogs are usually quite young (less than 3 years old) when they start experiencing symptoms. Liver shunts can be divided into two categories: those that are present at birth (congenital shunts) and those that develop later in life (acquired shunts).Ĭongenital shunts are most common, being responsible for approximately 80 percent of cases. The liver takes what it needs to function properly and also detoxifies the blood before sending it onward.Ī shunt is defined as a passage “that allows the flow of materials between two structures that are not usually connected.” A portosystemic shunt is, specifically, an abnormal blood vessel (or vessels) that connects the “portal” system draining the digestive tract to the “systemic” circulatory system feeding the rest of the body, thereby bypassing the liver. This blood carries nutrients, hormones, and waste material and is supposed to enter the liver before it travels to the rest of the body. A network of veins (called the portal system) drains blood away from the digestive tract. What Is a Liver Shunt?įirst, we need to review some canine anatomy and physiology. Read on to learn all about liver shunts in dogs. Liver shunts (technically called portosystemic shunts) are not that common in dogs, but if you are an aficionado of certain breeds or if your dog develops liver disease, you may find yourself in desperate need of information.
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