This is Bert, a 1-year-old Shih Tzu. Bert was diagnosed as a puppy with an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) by his vet Paola at Animal Trust Birkenhead. This is a rare condition that causes blood to bypass the liver and flow straight into the blood system, carrying all toxins from the gut which are usually filtered out by the liver. Bert developed neurological signs from this condition, including collapse and wobbliness from a young age.

Bert was referred to Dylan at Animal Trust referrals service at Ellesmere Port where a specialist sonographer evaluated Bert before Dylan operated to close the shunting blood vessel.

The surgery was a success, Bert was discharged the following day, and his blood results showed a great improvement, and Bert should go on to live a healthier life.

To find out more about Animal Trust’s Referral services see the link.