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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 21st, 2019

  A portosystemic shunt is serious if your dog is having symptoms like seizures. If there is a single portosystemic shunt then surgery can be performed to occlude it and if successful these dogs can lead normal lives. If there are multiple shunts or liver damage then medications to control symptoms can be started but the prognosis is not as good. There are many other diseases that can cause increased liver values as well. I’m hoping for the best for your dog!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 7th, 2019

  Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
  
  Some pets with liver shunts can do well with medical management, however, most of those pets will eventually be euthanized due to neurologic problems (hepatic encephalopathy) as the liver fails at removing toxins from the body. In some pets, a change of diet can be enough to control the signs. A typical diet would involve low-protein, low-magnesium, high zinc, and high Vitamin E, in addition to lactulose.
  
  Surgical repair of the shunt is common, particularly for congenital shunts. Before surgery, the veterinarian will try to stabilize your pet as much as possible with a low-protein diet and antibiotics. Post-operative antibiotics will also be given. After surgery, once the pet has normal bile acid levels, he can usually return to a normal diet. It takes about two weeks after surgery before the pet feels better.
  
  The surgery is curative whereas medical management is life-long therapy in which the life span will be shorter. In my opinion, surgery is the way to go for this problem.
  
  Hope this helps. Best wishes.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful