My puppy was diagnosed with a liver shunt. Surgery is 7/10. He keeps getting upset tummy, should we be switching to a low protein food in the meantime? Our vet has given us zero advice.

Updated On June 24th, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 3 days old | 40 lbs

Image profile

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

Hello and thank you for contacting PetCoach. Yes, low protein diet is very important in managing puppies with liver shunts. There are prescription diets for dogs with liver shunts, for example by Hill's or Royal Canin, alternatively low protein food can be prepared at home. Here you have good articles on feeding pupps with shunts: https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc/SmallAnimalHospital/Documents/Shunts/MVD-Brochure.pdf - from page 12 https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/07/liver-shunts/#:~:text=Egg%2C%20dairy%2C%20and%20soy%20protein,%2C%20organ%20meats%2C%20or%20fish. Good luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

See More Answers
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.