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0001636: Investigation of Oxidant Stress and Antioxidant Levels in Livers of Dogs Having Congenital Portal Systemic Vascular Anomalies

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $14,544

Dr. David C Twedt, DVM, Colorado State University

August 15, 1998 - April 20, 2001

Sponsor(s): American Maltese Association, American Miniature Schnauzer Club, Inc., American Shih Tzu Club, Inc., Japanese Chin Club of America, Scottish Terrier Club of America, Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Foundation, Inc.

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Disease(s): Portosystemic Shunts

Project Summary

Researchers found that, as compared with normal dogs, there is evidence of oxidate damage taking place in the liver of dogs with portosystemic shunts (PSS). It can be surmised that antioxidant therapy might slow down the progression of the disease in dogs that are not surgical candidates. This project will provide the foundation for possible future study to measure the benefit of antioxidant therapy for dogs with PSS. The ultimate goal of this research would be to identify improved medical therapies for dogs whose shunts cannot be surgically corrected. Also known as a liver shunt, PSS is a congenital abnormality, seen in all breeds, in which blood from the stomach and intestines bypasses the liver and is carried directly into to the blood stream. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but some shunts are not surgically treatable. This project studied the levels of oxidative stress in the livers of ten dogs with PSS.