Does anyone have any experience of Liver Shunt?  How was it treated and how successfully? 

I had a phone call from a lady enquiring after one of my re-homing dogs during the summer - which had already gone when she called.  She found another young bitch which has developed excessive thirst and appetite and her vet is beginning to think along the lines of a liver shunt problem.  She's asked me if I know anything about it or have any experience with it - neither of which I have.  So any info would be greatly apreceiated.  Pup was at vets yesterday for tests, results probably not back until end of week - this lady would just like to hear something positive.

There are if I remember correctly two sorts of liver shunt, one is comparatively easy to repair and the other almost impossible.

If the shunt is outside the liver then not too much of a problem if inside the liver or another organ the prognosis is not good. I am speaking from distant memory but you should be able to look it up on the internet to check what I say is true.

I have done a little research and came up with this info too - was just wondering if anyone had experienced it and the prognosis etc.

Hi
We went through this nearly 2 yrs ago with our then 5 month old puppy. She had to go the the vets hospital in Cheshire who specialise in liver shunts. The op involves putting a restricter band around where the shunt is, gradually over 6 weeks it closes. He did say that if it had been on the inside he could not have operated, and usually the ones which were on the inside were usually big dogs. She had to have special food for 6 weeks and we had to put lactulose in it everytime. But that after 6 weeks we could feed her normally and touch wood she should lead a normal life. He said that he had dogs on his books that were 9 and 10 yrs old who he had operated on when they were young. As I say It's been nearly 2 yrs ago and my dog has been absolutely fine and hope she continues to do so. Total bill for the 2 vets over £2,000 so good job she was insured. Hope this has helped and that the dog will be ok.

Thanks WENDYD - good to hear that the treatment worked for you.  Trouble is until you have a proper diagnosis you tend to think of the worst possible scenario - I will pass this info on and hope that their pup will be as lucky as yours should this be the case.

I hope their pup will be ok too, fingers and paws crossed here. Let us know the outcome if you can.

J has just phoned me.  Tests that have been done this week suggest its not liver shunt.  The vet is to repeat his initial blood tests in 3 weeks to see whats happening - hopefully whatever it is/was will have sorted itself out and everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Many thanks for the advice people have posted.

Thats great news.