Breed Health Score
metabolic

Portosystemic shunt in dogs

An abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins are not filtered out. Signs include stunted growth, disorientation, drooling and seizures after eating. It is often congenital and may be corrected surgically.

6 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Portosystemic shunt, including Tibetan Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 9.9 to 15.2 years.

Portosystemic shunt in dogs: quick facts

Type
metabolic condition
Breeds affected
6 of the 155 breeds we track
Severity (as scored)
Major-welfare or life-threatening

Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Portosystemic shunt is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.

Breeds commonly associated with Portosystemic shunt (6), ranked by health score

95
Tibetan Spaniel15.2 yr · small
86
Cairn Terrier14.0 yr · small
80
Silky Terrier13.3 yr ·
80
Yorkshire Terrier13.3 yr · toy
78
Maltese13.1 yr · toy
41
Irish Wolfhound9.9 yr · giant

Related metabolic conditions

HypothyroidismObesityDiabetes mellitusAddison's diseaseCongenital hypothyroidismCopper toxicosisCopper-associated hepatopathyCushing's disease

Products that may help

General care products for dogs prone to Portosystemic shunt. Browse on Amazon → Ad

Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.