There are TWO types of liver shunts: congenital (present at birth) and acquired (develops after birth). Acquired shunts are usually secondary to cirrhosis of the liver, which causes hardening of the organ, which results in high blood pressure in the liver and shunting develops to relieve the high blood pressure in the liver. Congenital shunts are usually SINGLE vessel shunts that are present at birth, being formed in utero. Small breeds and toys breeds usually have extra-hepatic shunts, in which the shunting is located on the outside of the liver....large breeds usually have intra-hepatic shunts which are located on the inside of the liver. |