Paisley's scintigraphy

[cvasquez]

I posted a month ago about Paisley having to have a BAT. Her BAT numbers suggested a liver shunt and we were sent to a specialist. Paisley is going to have a scintigraphy, nuclear scan, today to see if she has a liver shunt. I am nervous and worried about how this will go.

I wanted to post because YT has given me so much information on Yorkies. I am thankful for that!

[TLC]

Thank you for reminding us that today is the day. Please know that she is in our thoughts and prayers today. Keep us posted

[zoeybear]

Hope Paisley's tests come out ok. Hugs from Zoeybear and Baby Chloe.

[bchgirl]

Keeping Paisley in our thoughts and prayers.

[Yorkieluv]

Prayers for you and your baby!!!

[Patti]

Keeping Paisley in my prayers. Hoping for good news

[cvasquez]

It is official, Paisley has "a single high magnitude shunt vessel that drains into the caudal vena cava".

My little Paisley has a liver shunt. I was expecting that, but hoping for a mistake. I guess my next step is to have my vet refer to a surgeon. I want to compare credentials and fees. I am not prepared for a pricey surgery, but will find a way to pay for Paisley's surgery.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

[bchgirl]

I'm sorry that's what her diagnosis said...however, many many have the surgery and live happy healthy lives afterward.

I think yorkieluv's dog has had the surgery. Perhaps send her a pm.

I understand the University of Tennessee can perform the procedure for around $1,800.

Best wishes...

[Betty'sMom]

I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully, like one poster said,many have the surgery and live full, happy lives afterwards. I am sending a prayer to you and your baby.

[cvasquez]

Thank you all for your kind words. I means a lot. I just want to keep my little Paisley happy and healthy.

[Yorkieluv]

I'm sorry to read that your baby has a shunt, but it's good that you're finding out now and can have the surgery.
University of Tennessee has one of the highest success rates and have experience with very small yorkies as well. They are the cheapest place that I know of and have some of the highest credentials. Dr. Tobias is an excellent liver shunt surgeon. They charge somewhere between $1500-$1800 for everything including scintigraphy, pre-op care, post-op care, and the surgery itself. So, it will probably be even less expensive than that. You can have your vet refer you to them and get an estimate.
Make sure that they do a liver biopsy while they are in there. This is very important as many dogs who have liver shunt also have underlying MVD.
How is your baby doing now? Any symptoms? Pickiness? Disorientation? Urine issues?

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

I'm sorry that's what her diagnosis said...however, many many have the surgery and live happy healthy lives afterward.

I think yorkieluv's dog has had the surgery. Perhaps send her a pm.

I understand the University of Tennessee can perform the procedure for around $1,800.

Best wishes...

My dog did go in for exploratory surgery, but unfortunately, he did not have a repairable shunt. He has many, many tiny shunts throughout, but he is managed through diet, supplements, and meds, and is doing incredibly well. The surgery took place about 3 yrs ago.

[cvasquez]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

My dog did go in for exploratory surgery, but unfortunately, he did not have a repairable shunt. He has many, many tiny shunts throughout, but he is managed through diet, supplements, and meds, and is doing incredibly well. The surgery took place about 3 yrs ago.

Thank you for sharing your experience and I am happy to hear your little one is doing well despite not having a repairable shunt. I am gathering information right now for my vet. I am downloading a referral form for UT so I can email her and she can start the ball rolling. I am also going to have my vet get me information on a board certified surgeon out here in Texas.

I am also looking into financing the surgery. I am counting down until my stimulus check comes, mid July, and would like to use it to help pay for Paisley's surgery.

On another note...I am going to update Paisley's breeder regarding her being diagnosed with a liver shunt. Any suggestions on what I should expect her to say? Should she be testing Paisley's parents or siblings? Not sure how this all works. The breeder is very nice and has helped me with lots of little things since I have gotten Paisley. I don't blame her for Paisley's condition, but would like to make sure she is being a responsible breeder with knowing Paisley has a liver shunt.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by cvasquez

Thank you for sharing your experience and I am happy to hear your little one is doing well despite not having a repairable shunt. I am gathering information right now for my vet. I am downloading a referral form for UT so I can email her and she can start the ball rolling. I am also going to have my vet get me information on a board certified surgeon out here in Texas.

I am also looking into financing the surgery. I am counting down until my stimulus check comes, mid July, and would like to use it to help pay for Paisley's surgery.

On another note...I am going to update Paisley's breeder regarding her being diagnosed with a liver shunt. Any suggestions on what I should expect her to say? Should she be testing Paisley's parents or siblings? Not sure how this all works. The breeder is very nice and has helped me with lots of little things since I have gotten Paisley. I don't blame her for Paisley's condition, but would like to make sure she is being a responsible breeder with knowing Paisley has a liver shunt.

I am so sorry to hear that there is a shunt, but it sounds like you have caught this early and can be repaired so she can live a normal life.

As far as the breeder goes, you should inform her and she might even have a guarentee in her contract where you may be entitled to some money back towards the Vet bills

Keep us posted

[jeanietoo]

Well I know I would have wanted to know if one of my dogs was producing shunt puppies