Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximo  That would include shunts that develop later though, the non-congenital variety, correct? They are rarer, aren't they?
Also, is there any correlation between shunts and size of the Yorkie? Are smaller ones more prone to them?
^^Questions are for everyone |
The U of T has really redone their site... here is a link to the results of their research (easy read):
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine - Liver Shunt Research
And from:
Portsystemic (liver) shunts, their resolution and their more rare, extended realities | PetMD
Some dogs, unfortunately, (and some humans too) have a congenital malformation that leads blood vessels to bypass the liver. It’s called a “portosystemic shunt” but is also often referred to as a “hepatic shunt” or “liver shunt.” Others have the "acquired" form of the disease, which is typically secondary to severe, diffuse liver ailments in [usually] older dogs.
When buying a puppy I would avoid the runt of the litter and the smallest pups, especially when the pups in the same litter show a large difference in size.
Many dogs with LS tend to be 'picky' eaters. Tink was for a time, till she got on her special diet and the meds. Then her appetite improved, and she started gaining weight. She now weighs 13.5 pounds. She is also on probiotics to help her digestion. Any dog that is a picky eater, appears thin (one can see the spine and ribs), and has difficulty maintaining or gaining weight should probably be BAT tested.
Dogs with LS can show stunted growth, so a pup that doesn't appear to be growing normally and gaining weight as expected should be BAT tested. So I don't think it's correct to say small Yorkies are prone to shunts, because a shunt canl make them small. This is confusing but bear with me: One can't say that all small Yorkies have shunts. Maybe all Yorkies with congenital shunts are small, but I'm sure there are exceptions.
Also, on xray, a dog with LS may have an undersized liver, and may show stones in the bladder.
Tink was a 2.5 year old when I adopted her. (Sorry, there was some confusion over her age at the time) She was thin and bony, but appeared to be full grown. She weighed 9.6 pounds. She did have a UTI, her urine was dark brown, and smelled of ammonia. Her bowel movements were almost yellow all the time. These symptoms all cleared once she got on her new diet and meds.
I don't know if Tink's shunt is congenital or acquired.... I'm assuming acquired as she had not been diagnosed as a puppy. I haven't found any statistics on shunts yet...