Portosystemic (Liver) Shunt in Dogs and Cats

Portosystemic shunt (PSS)

An abnormal blood vessel that allows blood from the digestive tract to bypass the liver instead of being filtered by it. Toxins that would normally be processed by the liver build up in the bloodstream instead, most commonly seen in young, small-breed dogs, though it also occurs in cats.

Symptoms

Stunted growth or being the “runt” of the litter
Behavioral changes: mental dullness, disorientation, staring vacantly, head pressing, or circling
Poor appetite and vomiting
Excessive drinking and urination
Seizures, especially after eating a protein-rich meal
Some affected pets show no symptoms at all

Causes

Most commonly congenital, present from birth, accounting for roughly 80% of cases
Genetic predisposition in small-breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, and Havanese
Less commonly, an acquired shunt can develop secondary to chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis
More frequently diagnosed in female dogs

Treatments

Surgical closure (ligation) of the abnormal vessel is the treatment of choice for congenital shunts
Medical management before and for pets not eligible for surgery: special low-protein diets, lactulose to reduce toxin absorption, and antibiotics
IV fluids and blood sugar stabilization for severely affected pets
Affected animals should never be used for breeding

This condition is common in the following Dogs & Cats

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