Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Inherited liver blood vessel shunts in Irish Wolfhounds explained
By van Steenbeek, F G et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2009·Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evidence of inheritance of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in Irish Wolfhounds.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Irish Wolfhound siblings was found to have a serious liver condition called intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS), which is believed to be inherited. In one litter of five puppies, all were affected, while in another litter, five out of eleven had the same condition. This suggests that IHPSS is likely genetic in this breed, although the exact way it is passed down is still unclear. If you have an Irish Wolfhound, it's important to be aware of this potential health issue and discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
People also search for: Irish Wolfhound liver disease · puppy portosystemic shunt symptoms · inherited health issues in Irish Wolfhounds
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The etiogenesis of congenital portosystemic shunt in dogs is not understood. In Irish Wolfhounds, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) is thought to be hereditary, but the mode of inheritance is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To document the genetic background and investigate the potential mode of inheritance of IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds. ANIMALS: Three mature, privately owned, affected siblings and their progeny produced in 2 litters. METHODS: Prospective, observational study. Two test matings of 1 affected sire with 2 of his affected sisters were used to determine the inheritance pattern. Affection status was determined by measuring venous blood ammonia concentrations, detection of the shunt by ultrasonography and confirmation during surgical attenuation of the intrahepatic shunting vessel. RESULTS: In 1 litter of 5 pups all had an IHPSS. In the other litter 5 of 11 pups were affected. Both left- and right-sided shunts occurred in both litters. No sex predisposition was evident among affected dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our results show that IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds is a familial disorder that is likely genetic. It is unlikely that the mode of inheritance is monogenic. A digenic, triallelic trait could explain the observed occurrence of IHPSS but other modes of inheritance cannot be excluded.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19496918/