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Maltese Liver Shunt
What is this?
A liver shunt is a health condition of dogs in which there is a problem with the vein that normally would carry blood into the liver. There, the blood is normally filtered out and then sent back into the dog’s body. When a Maltese has a liver shunt, it will be 1 of 2 types. The problematic vein may be inside the liver ( this is called Intra Hepatic) or the vein may not be attached at all ( this is called Extra Hepatic). In either case, this canine liver disease must be treated, as toxins quickly build up in the Maltese dog’s body.
What are the Symptoms of the Canine Health Issue?
The symptoms of this usually appear in the Maltese breed before the age of 2 years old. A Maltese may have 1, some or all of these symptoms. The symptoms are:
How is the Maltese Dog Diagnosed?
Whenever your Maltese shows any strange symptoms, the vet should immediately perform a full checkup. How is a Liver Shunt diagnosed in a Maltese?
Surgery is the method of fixing a Liver Shunt problem in a Maltese. Remember, there are 2 types of Liver Shunts. If a dog has the Extra Hepatic type, the surgery is rather simple. If the dog has the Intra Hepatic type, it is more complicated. This type may actually need 2 separate operations and overnight stays in the hospital.
This is one of those health conditions in which having good pet insurance can really come in handy.
What is the Prognosis?
With surgery on an Intra Hepatic Liver Shunt, the dog may not always recover. Helping the Maltese after the surgery can increase their odds of survival.
Providing the Maltese with a very low or a zero protein diet is recommended. While this greatly helps the dog’s liver, it will have side effects such as lack of energy and dull fur. While the dog may never be completely back to normal, many will be able to live long and semi-active lives.
More Information
A liver shunt is a health condition of dogs in which there is a problem with the vein that normally would carry blood into the liver. There, the blood is normally filtered out and then sent back into the dog’s body. When a Maltese has a liver shunt, it will be 1 of 2 types. The problematic vein may be inside the liver ( this is called Intra Hepatic) or the vein may not be attached at all ( this is called Extra Hepatic). In either case, this canine liver disease must be treated, as toxins quickly build up in the Maltese dog’s body.
What are the Symptoms of the Canine Health Issue?
The symptoms of this usually appear in the Maltese breed before the age of 2 years old. A Maltese may have 1, some or all of these symptoms. The symptoms are:
- Underweight and undersized - the dog will be much smaller than the breed standard size
- Vomiting - toxins in the dog's body cause the dog to become nauseated
- Depression - how do you know if your Maltese is depressed? The dog will not want to play, he or she will often retreat to be alone, etc.
- Pacing - the dog will walk back and forth for no reason
- Unsteadiness - the dog may easily lose balance
- Aggression - a common symptom of dogs who are having health issues
- Sight issues - if not treated, this can lead to a dog becoming blind. Early signs are when a dog stumbles, walks into a wall, etc.
- Seizures - not always present, but can be a sign
How is the Maltese Dog Diagnosed?
Whenever your Maltese shows any strange symptoms, the vet should immediately perform a full checkup. How is a Liver Shunt diagnosed in a Maltese?
- Full blood testing
- Urine testing
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Portovenography – this is a test in which dye in injected into the dog’s blood, as it passes through the dog’s liver, radiographs can then be taken
Surgery is the method of fixing a Liver Shunt problem in a Maltese. Remember, there are 2 types of Liver Shunts. If a dog has the Extra Hepatic type, the surgery is rather simple. If the dog has the Intra Hepatic type, it is more complicated. This type may actually need 2 separate operations and overnight stays in the hospital.
This is one of those health conditions in which having good pet insurance can really come in handy.
What is the Prognosis?
With surgery on an Intra Hepatic Liver Shunt, the dog may not always recover. Helping the Maltese after the surgery can increase their odds of survival.
Providing the Maltese with a very low or a zero protein diet is recommended. While this greatly helps the dog’s liver, it will have side effects such as lack of energy and dull fur. While the dog may never be completely back to normal, many will be able to live long and semi-active lives.
More Information
