Health Condition

Portosystemic Shunt

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a congenital vascular abnormality where blood bypasses the liver, leading to toxin buildup and neurological signs.

Detailed Description

PSS is a birth defect in which the portal vein is abnormally connected to systemic circulation, preventing proper detoxification by the liver. This results in stunted growth, neurological symptoms, and other health issues. Surgical correction is often curative, while medical management can help in less severe cases.

Common Symptoms

Stunted growth
Seizures
Behavioral changes
Vomiting
Poor weight gain

Management Options

Surgical correction
Medical management with diet and medications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PSS curable?

Surgical correction can be curative.

How is PSS diagnosed?

Blood tests and imaging (ultrasound, CT).

Can affected dogs be bred?

No, breeding is discouraged.

What are early signs?

Poor growth, odd behavior, seizures in puppies.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Puppies to young adults (<1 year)

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Blood tests (bile acids, ammonia); Abdominal ultrasound; CT angiography

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Preventative Measures

Screening breeding stock; Avoid breeding affected dogs

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Related Conditions

Hepatic microvascular dysplasia, Liver failure

Affected Breeds

Biewer Terrier

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 4/5

Biewer Terriers, like Yorkshire Terriers, are at higher risk for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts compared to most breeds.

Cairn Terrier

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Cairn Terriers are overrepresented among affected breeds and have a higher risk than average.

Havanese

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 5/5

Portosystemic shunt is rare but more common in Havanese than in the general canine population. Small size and behavioral changes in puppies are early warning signs.

Irish Wolfhound

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Irish Wolfhounds have a higher than average risk for intrahepatic shunts, with most cases presenting in puppies or young adults.

Maltese

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

Maltese are among the top breeds affected, with significantly higher risk than average and typical onset in puppies.

Tibetan Spaniel

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

Tibetan Spaniels are among the breeds with increased risk for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Yorkshire Terrier

Prevalence: 2.9% Severity: 4/5

Yorkshire Terriers are among the breeds with the highest risk for congenital portosystemic shunt, often presenting with extrahepatic shunts.

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