My puppy's liver shunt closed, but new shunts formed. What now?

Question

Hi My 9 month puppy Coco was diagnosed with a liver shunt on the outside of her liver. I had her on medication (lactulose and seizure medication) for 3 months. Yesterday she returned for a check up where they cut her open again and confirmed the shunt had fully closed. However, due to pressure and the hypotension she suffered when they first done surgery.. now hundreds of thread sized vessels have formed... HELP, the vets had never seen this before! Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 months and 3 days old | 6 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

This sounds like Coco may now have acquired portosystemic shunts. These shunts form to bypass the liver when blood pressure through the liver becomes too high. Unfortunately these shunts cannot be surgically corrected and managing symptoms with medications is the only treatment option. I'm so sorry about Coco's diagnosis. Hopefully you can get some guidance from her veterinarians about what to expect.

My puppy's liver shunt closed, but new shunts formed. What now?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

My bird has PFBD. Is chest trembling a normal sign or a symptom?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?

Share