If a dog is growing slower than its peers and exhibits neurological symptoms such as convulsions, the first thing to suspect is portosystemic shunt (PSS). This means a congenital vascular malformation. In normal cases, all blood from the abdominal organs moves to the liver to synthesize and store nutrients and detoxify toxic substances. However, if there is a malformed blood vessel called PSS, undetoxified blood circulates throughout the body without passing through the liver. Due to this, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly, so growth is slow, and the size of the liver is very small.
PSS can be divided into intrahepatic shunt and extrahepatic shunt depending on the type, and since the location and number of malformed blood vessels are also very important in determining the direction of treatment, accurate diagnosis through CT scanning is essential.
In PSS, medical treatment must be performed before and after surgery. Since it is a congenital disease, puppies that are too young may be managed medically until surgery. Even if the readings are not good, surgery is often performed after maintaining the readings stably through medical management. Puppies with PSS need to manage ammonia (NH3) levels well because it is a toxic substance that can cause seizures and hepatic encephalopathy if it spreads throughout the body.
Treatment of portal systemic shunt ultimately aims to eliminate the malformed blood vessels. Various surgical methods have been developed to remove blood vessels, and representative ones include an ameroid constrictor or a cellophane band. Since there is a possibility of an emergency situation called portal hypertension if the blood vessels are suddenly blocked, the blood flow to the liver should gradually increase while giving the body time to adapt, and finally, the malformed blood vessels should be closed to restore normal blood flow. In order to prevent complications related to surgery, various studies are constantly being conducted, and the author has also applied for a patent after conducting research on more effective shunt closure.
Diagnosing and treating PSS at the right time is important for restoring normal body functions. If growth is slow or microeclampsia is confirmed at a young age, a better prognosis can be expected if treatment is performed after confirmation through an accurate examination.
Copyright © Health Trend Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
