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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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Berger Picard, Boerboel, Border Terrier, Bouvier Des Flandres, Briard, American Bulldog, French Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Coton De Tulear, Miniature Dachshund, Dalmatian, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Setter, English Toy Spaniel, Wire Fox Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Havanese, Icelandic Sheepdog, Irish Setter, Keeshond, Komondor, Leonberger, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher, Large Munsterlander, Small Munsterlander, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Otterhound, Papillon, Pekingese, Small Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pug, Puli, Pyrenean Shepherd, Rat Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Spinone Italiano, Stabyhoun, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Weimaraner, Whippet, Yorkshire Terrier

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Treatment for dogs with portosystemic vascular anomalies varies depending on the severity of the condition, but surgical intervention, such as shunt ligation or the use of devices like aneroid constrictors, is often recommended for dogs with extrahepatic shunts. Dogs with intrahepatic shunts may require more complex procedures. Some dogs can be managed medically with dietary modification and medications that control symptoms.

Symptoms

Dogs with PSVAs show a wide range of clinical signs reflecting the body's inability to filter toxins properly. Symptoms can appear early in life and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to thrive, with affected animals often smaller than their littermates. Neurological signs like excessive vocalization, blindness, confusion, and behavioral changes are common. Urinary issues, such as bloody urine or the formation of stones, may also occur.

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