It is also referred to as liver shunt. It is an abnormal flow of blood between the liver and the body. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, metabolizing nutrients and eliminating drugs, the blood bypassing the liver can cause indications of a possible PSS which might include, but are not limited to, neurobehavioral abnormalities, anorexia, hypoglycemia, intermittent gastrointestinal symptoms, urinary tract problems, drug intolerance, unthriftiness and stunted growth. Signs of PSS usually appear before two years of age, but later onset has been recorded. If an animal has a confirmed PSS, corrective surgery can be helpful in the long-term management of these animals.
Dietary manipulation is also important in maintaining PSS animals.
Cairn Terriers affected with PSS should be registered in the GDC Registry. Mode of inheritance has not been established. Seizures can be the result of the disease Epilepsy, or can be a sign of many different problems. Epilepsy can usually be controlled by medication. Specific diagnosis of the cause of seizure symptoms is critical to successful treatment.