Canine- Papillon- Liver Shunt/ Portosystemic Shunt, or PSS

A portosystemic shunt, or liver shunt (canine) is a blood vessel that bypasses the liver.
This blood vessel carries blood from the intestine, spleen, stomach, pancras, to the heart. It usually gets filtered by the liver. The liver cleans the blood of things like sugar, protein, bacteria and toxins, but in this
case this service is not done, and the body gets more and more poisoned.

 

 Shunts can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after birth (acquired).
It is a common birth defect in Toy Breeds.
The real cause of this condition is unknown.
 
Usually the symptoms of a liver shunt shows up early in a young pups life, but it may be very much likely after you purchased your little  friend.
The symptoms are also somewhat similar to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar in you puppy.
The symptoms of PSS usually are coming from the   central nervous system or the gastrointestinal system.

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• too much or too little weight gain
• depression

• disorientation
• behavioral changes
• weakness or lethargy
• seizures

Blood tests will be done at the vets, to check the liver function.

In most cases surgery is needed.