Liver Shunt PSS

The majority of Deerhound breeders test puppies bred by them for this fatal disease , sadly if it is found  that a puppy is affected they are generally put to sleep, to date I have been fortunate to have never been put in this horrific position as I am not sure what I would do, likely I would keep the puppy myself until its quality of life was so bad I would then put to sleep , I would also be tempted to have the operation but  a very good friend of mine who did said she would never do it again .

It has been proved hereditary in the Yorkshire Terrier and Irish Wolfhound ( see links)  and personally whilst no research has been carried out within the Deerhond population in the UK to my  knowledge, I think  if the evidence is there within the Wolfhound, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese terrier ,so why would it not also have a hereditary pre-disposition in the Deerhound?, this is my opinion and may not be shared by others.

The problem is, whilst an affected puppy can be put to sleep, this  does not stop any  further breeding from the Mother/ Father or siblings so the gene  will continue to thrive until Veterinary research is conducted  and a screening test developed ( wouldn't that be fantastic) , full  disclosure needs to be  encouraged when breeders are deciding upon a litter or the use of a stud dog,  this would allow people to make educated choices, again if  the parents, sibling are omitted from the general gene pool this can tip the scales to more heart, bone cancer etc in the Deerhound, so all has to be considered when making the choice of Father and Mother, personally I would not breed from a Sire or Dam of a liver shunt puppy,  until there is a screening test, I would place breeding restrictions on siblings, I could not bear the risk of going through the heartache of a liver shunt puppy.

I would rather go out to an out cross lurcher with a non pedigree history to introduce fresh blood, in the future if the gene pool  needs it. I want to confirm this is my view and is by no means everyones it also does not mean I am right its personal to me but. we are all entitled to an opinion. If you have a personal view or any further information on the topic It would be good to hear from you.

Please read the links listed below, which will hopefull educate and allow more informed choice

www.vetspecialists.co.uk/07_GenContent/00_Staff/Carolyn_Burton.html

 Increasing incidence of hereditary intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in Irish wolfhounds in The Netherlands (1984 to 1992)

veterinaryrecord.bvapublications.com/cgi/content/abstract/136/1/13

________________________________________________________

Liver shunt info University of Tennessee

 www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/calendar/

Angel Fund for Research & Treatment of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

www.vet.utk.edu/giving/pdf/angel_flyer.pdf

www.vet.utk.edu/giving/SACS.php

 www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/PortosystemicShunts(PSS)/

 www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/calendar/inheritability.shtml

________________________________________________________

Recognition and Management of
Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

www.malteseonly.com/shunt2.html