Yorkshire Terrier Liver Shunt Symptoms

Liver shunt is a condition that occurs when blood doesn’t pass through the liver but flows around it. Although this condition can develop in any pets, small breed dogs are at greatest risk. Yorkshire Terriers are one such breed that either develop congenital shunts or acquired shunts. Research also indicates that female dogs are more likely to suffer from liver shunts than male pets.

Types of Liver Shunt

There are two types of liver shunt that are generally seen in dogs, namely intrahepatic shunt and extrahepatic shunt. Intrahepatic shunt occurs inside the liver whereas extrahepatic shunt develops outside the liver. Dogs suffering from congenital liver shunt show signs and symptoms of the condition when they’re nearly 5 to 6 months old. While puppies can either suffer from extrahepatic or intrahepatic shunt, older dogs mostly suffer from the latter.

In order to diagnose and treat liver shunt promptly, pet owners need to be aware of the symptoms of this condition and monitor their pets if they exhibit any or all of the symptoms given below.

Symptoms of Liver Shunt:

  • Loss of Weight
  • Poor appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Weakness
  • Fixed gaze
  • Seizures
  • Disoriented actions
  • Dog walks in circles
  • Pet may not respond to commands
  • Excessive thirst 
  • Frequent urination

Diagnosis of Liver Shunt in Yorkshire Terriers

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, it's best to perform a vet check as soon as possible. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination and perform tests to check liver function. Some of the most common tests that are performed to check liver function include bile acid tests, blood tests, urine analysis, and ammonia tests.

Once these tests are done the vet will also perform an ultrasound if liver shunt is suspected. In some cases a full body scan may be required.

Treatment of Liver Shunt

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the vet will suggest the best treatment option that’s ideal for the pet. Several things like the dog’s age and overall health will be taken into consideration before the treatment options are decided. In some cases, the vet will perform a surgery while in other cases the vet will recommend the administration of certain medications.

Most treatment options aim to decrease the amount of ammonia that’s present in the dog’s body. The dog will be placed on a diet that’s low in proteins as this will decrease the amount of ammonia that’s absorbed by the body. Along with a low protein diet, the dog will also be given lactulose to alter the pH balance of the intestines.

Tips for Pet Owners

Dogs suffering from liver shunt require additional care and support. It’s important to take sick pets for follow up vet checks to determine their response to medications. Pet owners should also administer all medication on time, exactly according to the vet’s instructions.

If liver shunt is not treated in time, the symptoms of the disorder will become more severe as the condition advances. Since this could prove fatal, it’s important to seek medical assistance at the earliest.

 

Comments