Nutrition For Dogs With Liver Shunt
By Dr. Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
The liver is a vital organ that plays a central role in many bodily functions, including the synthesis of essential proteins, energy metabolism to fuel the body, and detoxification by metabolizing harmful waste products. Hence, conditions such as liver shunts can profoundly affect your dog's health.
Understanding Liver Shunts in Dogs A portosystemic shunt, commonly known as a liver shunt, is a condition that disrupts normal blood flow. Instead of blood passing through the liver where toxins are removed, the blood is shunted away, entering general circulation without being detoxified. This condition is often congenital, meaning puppies are born with it, which can lead to stunted growth and neurologic symptoms like disorientation, circling, head pressing, and seizures after eating—collectively known as hepatic encephalopathy. These symptoms occur because the toxins that should have been processed by the liver instead reach the brain. Moreover, a liver shunt can increase the risk of certain types of bladder stones, such as urates.
Treatment Options for Liver Shunts Surgical intervention is the primary and permanent treatment for liver shunts, with many dogs responding very well to it. However, nutrition also plays a critical role in managing liver shunts, irrespective of surgical intervention, particularly for dogs who are not candidates for surgery.
Nutritional Management of Liver Shunts: Key Elements
Protein Intake: Managing a dog’s protein consumption is crucial. A low-protein diet helps reduce the production of ammonia and other toxins that are not processed due to the shunt. However, the quality of protein is just as important as the quantity. High-quality, highly digestible proteins like those found in dairy and eggs are preferred as they generate fewer waste products during digestion.
Lactulose and Fiber: Lactulose, a type of synthetic sugar, and dietary fiber are used to manage toxin levels in the intestine. Lactulose reduces the absorption of ammonia, while fiber helps in binding toxins and promoting their excretion via stool.
Meal Frequency: Providing frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, rather than large, infrequent ones, can help minimize potential toxin buildup, reducing the liver’s detoxification burden.
Nutritional management is an essential component of canine liver shunt management, and can make a substantial different in the dog’s quality of life. The right nutrition plan personalize for your dog can help minimize the symptoms, allowing your dog to live a happier, healthier life. Work with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist to tailor a plan that’s best for your dog!
