What it is
Before birth, a puppy has a blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, because the mother's liver does the work. This vessel should close soon after birth. When it stays open, or when an abnormal vessel forms, blood from the gut skips the liver, so the liver receives less blood and stays small, and substances such as ammonia reach the brain.
A shunt present from birth tends to show in young dogs. A shunt that develops later is the body's response to other liver disease, which raises the pressure in the vessels around the liver.
Signs can come and go, and they can be worse after a meal, because digestion releases more of the substances the liver should clear. Living with such a dog means watching for changes in behaviour, which can look like confusion rather than illness, and telling your vet about them.
Signs you may notice
- Smaller than its littermates
- Dazed or wobbly after meals
- Presses its head against walls
- Drools more than usual
- Drinks and urinates more
- Has seizures
A young dog may grow less well than its littermates and, after eating, seem dazed, confused, wobbly, drool or press its head against a wall. You may also notice increased thirst, more urination or seizures.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if a young dog grows poorly or seems dazed, wobbly or confused after eating. A seizure, or a dog that cannot be roused or cannot stand, needs a vet immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.