Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies
Body function: Metabolic & Digestive
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Portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVAs) are congenital abnormalities where blood from the portal vein, which transports nutrients and toxins to the liver for filtration, bypasses the liver and goes into systemic circulation. This leads to unfiltered blood carrying harmful substances, entering the body's general circulation, causing potential neurological and health issues. PSVAs may affect small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Miniature Schnauzers with extrahepatic PSVAs. At the same time, large-breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and Irish Wolfhounds are more prone to intrahepatic PSVAs. Extensive genetic mapping hasn't identified a specific genetic mutation responsible, but some breeds have a higher predisposition.
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