HAVANESE LIVER ABNORMALITY

Havanese may have but is low percentage, a liver abnormality called Portosystemic Shunt. It is a defect that is present at birth and affects the liver by an abnormal vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. The result is blood is not cleansed by one of the body’s most important filters: the liver. Congenital shunts occur more commonly in purebred dogs such as Schnauzers, Yorkies and Irish Wolfhounds. 75 percent are congenital and seen when the dog is just a puppy. Some symptoms are loss of appetite, weakness, disorientation, and poor balance. The condition can be corrected if found early. If not, toxins build up and death is likely. This condition is very serious as well as financially taxing. It is not one that is common among Havanese but worth mentioning. With specialized surgical techniques and dietary management, a dog can have a reasonable quality of life.

HAVANESE HEART PROBLEMS

Heart murmurs have been found in Havanese. It is usually caused by a weakening of the heart valve and can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Diet and drugs can be prescribed and sometimes surgery may be considered.