Professor Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Disclosure(s):
Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition): No relevant disclosure to display
Intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) cause a variety of nutritional abnormalities. In addition, dogs with IHPSSs are most commonly large- or giant-breed dogs (as opposed to extrahepatic shunts that typically occur in small breed dogs) which makes them especially susceptible to numerous protein, amino acid, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies when fed diets that are designed for liver disease or for adults. This talk will discuss the nutritional options available for dogs with IHPSS, the many nutrient deficiences that can occur without targeted supplementation, and newer nutritional treatments that may be beneficial for dogs with IHPSSs to help optimize their care during medical and/or interventional therapy.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the nutritional abnormalities associated with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) in dogs.
List some of the nutrient deficiencies that can occur in large- and giant-breed puppies with IHPSS being fed an adult dog food or veterinary diet designed for liver disease.
Explain factors influencing what dietary supplements and doses are needed in a growing dog with an IHPSS.
