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Lacy's Mom · 08-10-2006, 08:58 PM

Best article on liver shunt I have ever come across. Prayers to Diesel and Gucci. I will have to post it in parts because it is so long.

Part I
LIVER SHUNT

WHAT IS IT? ... HOW DOES IT AFFECT OUR YORKIES? ... WHAT CAN WE DO?

Let's start with the basics on liver shunt so everybody stays on the same page. Liver Shunt is one of the medical concerns of the Yorkshire Terrier Breed. It is a concern in several other breeds as well that have genetic relationships to the Yorkie like the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier who are kissing cousins to the Yorkie. This leads us to believe, even more, that the problem is genetic. It also tends to run in bloodlines thus again leading us to believe it is a genetic occurrence but NO research to this date has proven anything other than it being a congenital defect.
74 breeds of dogs are believed to be possible carriers of liver shunt at this time.

WHAT IS THE LIVER? ... WHAT IS IT'S FUNCTION?
The liver is the largest organ in the body. The size of it is an indication of it's importance to the health of the animal. It is involved with growth, the supply of nutrients, provides energy, aids in reproduction and helps fight diseases.

The liver cleans impurities out of the blood in massive amounts daily. If the liver is not functioning properly then impurities are circulated throughout the body causing other organ shut-downs and eventual death.

WHAT IS IT?
Liver Shunt is where the shunt blood vessels leading to the liver have bypassed the liver causing ammonia and other toxins to not be filtered out by the liver, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy or brain inflammation. It is actually a poisoning of the system leading to death unless successful medical intervention is given immediately.

SYMPTOMS:
Keep in mind that these symptoms can mimic other problems as well.

Sporadic Weakness

Dizziness

Disorientation

Loss of coordination

Vomiting

Diarrhea

head-pressing

Mental unawareness

Aggression

Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder stones

Low tolerance to sedatives

Bleeding disorders

Light colored stool
Behavioral Changes

Drooling

Stupor

Anorexia

Pacing

Blindness

Seizures

Coma

Circling

High puppy mortality (6-14 weeks)

Lethargy

Distended abdomen

Jaundice

08-10-2006, 08:58 PM	#10
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	Best article on liver shunt I have ever come across. Prayers to Diesel and Gucci. I will have to post it in parts because it is so long. Part I LIVER SHUNT WHAT IS IT? ... HOW DOES IT AFFECT OUR YORKIES? ... WHAT CAN WE DO? Let's start with the basics on liver shunt so everybody stays on the same page. Liver Shunt is one of the medical concerns of the Yorkshire Terrier Breed. It is a concern in several other breeds as well that have genetic relationships to the Yorkie like the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier who are kissing cousins to the Yorkie. This leads us to believe, even more, that the problem is genetic. It also tends to run in bloodlines thus again leading us to believe it is a genetic occurrence but NO research to this date has proven anything other than it being a congenital defect. 74 breeds of dogs are believed to be possible carriers of liver shunt at this time. WHAT IS THE LIVER? ... WHAT IS IT'S FUNCTION? The liver is the largest organ in the body. The size of it is an indication of it's importance to the health of the animal. It is involved with growth, the supply of nutrients, provides energy, aids in reproduction and helps fight diseases. The liver cleans impurities out of the blood in massive amounts daily. If the liver is not functioning properly then impurities are circulated throughout the body causing other organ shut-downs and eventual death. WHAT IS IT? Liver Shunt is where the shunt blood vessels leading to the liver have bypassed the liver causing ammonia and other toxins to not be filtered out by the liver, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy or brain inflammation. It is actually a poisoning of the system leading to death unless successful medical intervention is given immediately. SYMPTOMS: Keep in mind that these symptoms can mimic other problems as well. Sporadic Weakness Dizziness Disorientation Loss of coordination Vomiting Diarrhea head-pressing Mental unawareness Aggression Urinary Tract Infections Bladder stones Low tolerance to sedatives Bleeding disorders Light colored stool Behavioral Changes Drooling Stupor Anorexia Pacing Blindness Seizures Coma Circling High puppy mortality (6-14 weeks) Lethargy Distended abdomen Jaundice