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A portosystemic shunt causes a bypass of blood from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the systemic circulation, avoiding the normal detoxifying process that happens in the liver and reducing nutrient input into the liver. Liver shunts can be congenital defects (failure of closure of the ductus venosus or inappropriate vascular development) or acquired (development of extra vessels caused by portal vein hypertension). Clinical signs include failure to thrive (runt), head pressing or other neurological signs especially after high protein meals, delay in anesthetic recovery, increased urination, and vomiting or diarrhea. CBC and biochemistry can be altered in a dog with a portosystemic shunt (e.g., microcytic anemia, low BUN, glucose, elevated ALT) and urinalysis can show abnormal crystals and possibly infection. Bile acids will be elevated. CT, ultrasound, or other more advanced imaging will confirm and locate the shunt. Initial treatment includes a change to a low protein diet, lactulose to absorb ammonia and other toxins, and antibiotics to change the bacterial population of the intestines. Some dogs do well with medical management; however, many need surgical treatment to gradually close off the shunt. Surgery is very successful and dogs return to normal in 2-4 months.
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Guarding desired items can be a normal behavior in dogs, but when it escalates, the safety of both people and animals is compromised. Exercises to prevent and reverse guarding behavior can be beneficial to any dog. Professional guidance is needed for any dog who repeatedly conflicts with people or pets because of guarding behavior.
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Special care must be taken when your dog comes home after an operation to ensure the incision area stays clean and dry and heals properly. Some signs are cause for concern, and if observed, call your veterinarian right away.
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Potassium salts are given by mouth or an injection and are used on and off label to treat low blood potassium levels. Common side effects include nausea or discomfort. Do not use in pets that have high potassium levels, urination problems, tissue damage, uncontrolled Addison’s disease, gastrointestinal movement problems, or dehydration. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Pradofloxacin (brand name Veraflox®) is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract infections in cats. Pradofloxacin is approved for use in dogs in certain countries. It is used "off label" or "extra label" to treat other types of infections in cats and some types of infections in dogs.
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Praziquantel is given on and off label and by mouth or injection to treat various internal parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in puppies less than 3 weeks old, or kittens less than 6 weeks old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate (brand name Drontal) is an oral antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb), and in dogs and puppies that are at least 12 weeks of age and weigh at least 2.7 kg (6 lb). Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate comes in tablet form.
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Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel (brand name Drontal Plus) is an oral antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs and puppies that are at least 3 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb). Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel comes in tablet form. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” in other species (not recommended in cats) for certain conditions.
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Prazosin is given by mouth and is used to reduce urinary sphincter tone to relax the bladder and allow easier urination in dogs and cats. It may also be used as a treatment for congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, or pulmonary hypertension in dogs. Give as directed. Common side effects include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. This medication should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease or other conditions that cause low blood pressure, as well as in MDR1-positive dogs. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Pre-surgical testing is the best way to minimize anesthetic risks and ensure good surgical outcomes. Pre-anesthetic testing consists of, at minimum, a full physical examination and may include complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry, urinalysis, radiographs, EKG, or more advanced testing. The results of pre-surgical testing are used to formulate the safest anesthetic plan for your pet.
