Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a liver shunt. Is anesthesia safe for his upcoming surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 13 days old | 2 lbs

Is general anesthesia dangerous for a dog with a liver shunt?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2017

These pets can undergo anesthesia if certain precautions and certain medications are used. These dogs will undergo anesthesia to have the operation preformed to repair the shunt and they will generally do fine. So it can be done safely but it still carries an increased risk compared to a normal dog. I would recommend to talk with Pako's veterinarian about the risk/benefits of anesthesia specific to his situation. Also, ask about the experience his veterinarian has had with dogs who have a history of liver disease. I hope I have answered your question!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My pug puppy needs liver shunt surgery. What are her survival chances?

With careful anaesthesia and good surgical skills the chances for successful surgery are very good. Ideally, this kind of surgery should be performed at referral center by an experienced surgeon. What is important, the surgery usually corrects the problem and the dog is fully cured. Good luck with Siggy - I hope she will make good recovery and remain well.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is anesthesia safe for my dog's neuter with high liver enzymes?

If the liver enzymes are elevated but liver function is normal there is probably not a significant increased risk under anesthesia. You could talk to your veterinarian about checking bile acids if it seems like this might be helpful; bile acids can help determine whether or not the liver is functioning normally. Sometimes a biliary mucocele is surgically corrected so you also may want to talk to your veterinarian about rechecking the mucocele if liver enzymes are still elevated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has a liver shunt. Will medication or surgery stop seizures?

I'm sorry to hear that! It really depends on the severity of the shunt and what kinds of symptoms she's showing, so this would be a good question to discuss with your veterinarian - but in general, surgery is strongly recommended for dogs with liver shunts who are having neurologic symptoms. Medication and diet are usually not sufficient to control their symptoms without surgery.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is anesthesia safe for my senior dog with cancer and liver disease?

I recommend a veterinary exam to check how infected the tooth is. If they listen to her heart and it is fine and her blood work is stable they may be able to do light sedation only and remove the infected tooth. Bad teeth are very painful and also the dental infection can worsen the liver problem so extracting it if it can be done safely would be my recommendation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Daisy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Puppy with liver shunt & bloated belly: Will he die without surgery?

With a liver shunt the puppy will not thrive and eventually will die, especially since he already has severe clinical signs of illness. The liver is the main detoxification organ of the body and when it does not work properly the body slowly poisons itself and will die. So surgery is highly recommended provided there is not already serious damage. I am sorry, that the news is not so good.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Should I take my dog with a liver shunt to the vet for not eating?

How cute is Asroc. I would recommend taking him to the vet because he might need additional medication to help him with the shunt. Their are some medications that can be given to help improve quality of life with a shunt. You could try adding in sweet potatoes into his food with some veggies like peas and green beans. These are low in protein but can increase a patients interest in food.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a liver shunt. How do I stop hepatic encephalopathy episodes?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Medical treatment for liver shunts consists of: Liver diet so despite him being a puppy I'd put him on Hill's l/d if a small breed dog or Purina HA for growth (Soy based and less likely to form ammonia) Lactulose Prilosec (omerprazole) to prevent gastric ulcers exacerbating signs Antibiotics usually short term but sometimes long term I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share