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03-03-2015, 08:26 AM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Florida
Posts: 2
| Liver shunt questions Not sure if this is where you're supposed to ask questions (new to this) hehe! But, my poor little girl has been diagnosed with a liver shunt a couple days ago and I have some questions I thought someone may be able to help me with. First of all, Stormy is 4 months old and 4 pounds. She has one liver shunt and it is outside of her liver (thank God). While my mom and I are considering the surgery, the vet has put her on 3 tablespoons of the wet hepatic food twice a day. Little Stormy scarfs this down in no time and then cries/searches around for more until her next feeding. I'm worried that this is not enough food for her and wanted some second opinions? I know I should trust the vet I just hate seeing her unhappy. Also, I've read A LOT about liver shunts and the surgery and still feel a little uneasy. My mom will get the money together somehow if I decide on the surgery, but if something goes wrong due to surgery or Stormy only lives a few more years anyway, I feel will even more horrible for financially draining my mom. So, does anyone have any input? anyone who's been through this recommend I go through with the surgery? I haven't been able to sleep or eat properly since she's been diagnosed, I just want my puppy to be healthy and happy. Again, hopefully I did this right... Lol! |
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03-03-2015, 07:43 PM | #3 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maui, Hawaii
Posts: 7,740
| Sorry for all that you are going through with your pup. That does sound like a small amount of food, however it is not uncommon for dogs 10 lbs or more to be fed 1/4 cup twice a day. Have you asked your vet to clarify the feeding, and told him how she seems hungry? Maybe he would allow you to give her something to supplement, like green beans, that would fill her up a bit, but not be toxic to her like other protein. Surgery does have risks, but I believe chances of your pup living a long life are better if she does have it than not. There are no guarantees, unfortunately; you just need to give the pup the best possible care. Good luck and do keep us posted.
__________________ SANDY, MOM TO TIKI , KAYLA , KARLEE , R.I.P. MEIKA |
03-03-2015, 08:39 PM | #4 |
Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 27,451
| The surgery is not all that bad really. It is your pup's best chance at a long healthy life! One of my pups was not diagnosed until he was eight...and he is fine. His surgery was done Feb 2013. He had never had symptoms or abnormal blood work...the only reason we found out was because he developed bladder stones which will eventually happen with liver shunt pups. There are many people on this forum who have liver shunt pups that were repaired and they are doing terrific! I am sure they will be here to share. I am going to contact one who is a friend of mine. I am sure she will have a lot to share with you! As for the cost, she went to the University of TN...she said it was less expensive to go there (and they are great with shunts at UT) than it was to have it done here in Texas. Welcome to YT!! So glad you found us...you will get a lot of support here.
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03-03-2015, 09:38 PM | #5 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 5,891
| I have no experience with liver shunts, but I've read a great deal about them. The University of Tennesee has exceptional success rates and their costs are usually lower than other hospitals that have board certified surgeons. Your little girl most likely will be able to lead a normal life with the proper treatment. I will keep you and Stormy in my thoughts and prayers. There are so many other excellent links to read when you come to these. These are just a start. http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...mshadoanim.mov http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-09-26.pdf
__________________ Lisa and Katie Ashley 6/10, Gracie 2/04, Kiwi 10/03, and Jolie 7/93 . |
03-04-2015, 06:00 AM | #6 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 664
| Good morning. I didn't see your post until this morning! My baby girl, Lola, had liver shunt surgery in 3/09 - 6 years ago and is as good as new. Without the surgery, she would have died. I feed her normal food now - she runs, jumps, plays, and chases the other dogs like crazy! In fact, she's the smallest pup in my house, but also the boss. I do think you must feed smaller, more often meals, but that does seem like too little. Did they put her on lactulose to help rid her of the toxins from her body until you can have the surgery? I think that will help. I don't know what they have quoted you for the surgery, but it was cheaper for me to fly to Teneessee, stay in a hotel, have the liver shunt surgery, have her spayed and some baby teeth removed, and fly home than to have the surgery done in Houston (at the time). They have a fund at University of Tenessee Small Animal Hospital that subsidizes the cost of the surgery (or they use to). You must have a referral from you vet, but I would certainly look into that. You can also check into Care Credit online - they offer credit to pay for animal care, sometimes up to 12 months interest free! Good luck with your baby girl - without question, if the liver shunt is operable, I would have it done. My Lola is living proof that the surgery is a success! |
03-04-2015, 06:28 AM | #7 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 664
| This is also a great site for information...register and they can help answer all of your questions. They knew much more than my vet!!! https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/...D_Support/info |
03-04-2015, 08:21 AM | #8 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Florida
Posts: 2
| Thank you all so much for your replies. I called the vet and told her how Stormy seemed to be very hungry and she said it would be fine to feed her more. Also, I have decided to go ahead with the surgery. I've heard many good things about Tennesse, will look into it. Thank you again! |
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