Liver shunt surgery - YorkieTalk.com Forums

sbshoegrl · 11-23-2009, 10:26 AM

My puppy needs liver shunt surgery and my vet informed me that its going to cost me 3400.00 and i have to come up w 75% of it for them to do the surgery. I cannot afford it i tried carecard and they only approved me for 500.00. Does anyone know of any vets that would do this type of surgery and let me make monthly payments? I live in Nj.

tegamom1 · 11-23-2009, 10:31 AM

Have you talked to the breeder? They should be taking responsibility. Did you have a contract?

sbshoegrl · 11-23-2009, 10:43 AM

I got her from a friend whose dog had puppies. I contacted her and she told me she would refund me the money and take her back but i donot want to give her back i love her! I guess shes not quite the friend i thought she was. No there was no contract.

Cookie2 · 11-23-2009, 10:21 PM

Wow that is expensive. Cookie needed this surgery and they only found MVD which is a type of liver shunt but could be treated through diet.
The vet told me that if they needed to put a shunt that it would cost like $200 more. The total was about $1400.

I had carecredit at that time and it covered it but you mentioned they only gave you $500

I understand how you wont return her. You fall in love immediately with these little furbabies. I would call around to other hospital and fax them your dog's diagnosis. Even if you have to drive to the next state, if it saves you $1,000 its worth it. I called around and the price range was $3000 down to $1200 . It really ranges from state to state. I know this must be very stressful. I did not have the money and was hysterical because I feared the worst. Keep calling around

Gen

Chance · 11-24-2009, 02:07 AM

Hi, Chance had a liver shunt, Dr. Karen Tobias at the U. of Tenn. did her liver shunt
repair surgery. Dr. Tobias is world known for liver shunt repair. Chance's total bill was
under 1800.00. That included all blood work, and tests done. U. of Tenn, is the
cheapest and the very best place to have the liver shunt repaired. They use the ameroid constrictor ring to close of the shunt, it is perfered method and the best to
close of the shunt.
MVD is not a form of a Liver Shunt. It is the disease of the liver, where the liver can
not get rid of toxins in the blood, like protein. If you have any questions about Liver
shunts go to liver_shunt_ and_mvd_support@ yahoogroups. com. I belong to this
group. They are the best place for questions about liver shunts. You will have to request to join the group, but the moderators on this group is great. They have helped me through some very tuff times with Chance. Please join this group and help
you understand about liver shunts. It is a very serious and life threat to your baby if
not treated. But with the right treatment, your baby will live a long heathy life. It
is not a death sentence, if you understand it, and are willing to do what is needed for
you fur baby.
That you,
Sandy and Chance
P.s. if you need to talk to me feel free to e-mail me privately, I will do my very best
to help you and your baby.

Chance · 11-24-2009, 02:18 AM

We also have many people on the group that I mentioned if my first post, that have
traveled to U. of Tenn. for there babies liver shunt repair. People have found that even
with travel expenses, it is cheaper to go to the U. of Tenn, for there liver shunt surgery. They are the very best place to go. So why not go to the best. Some of our
members come from Fl, Utah, New York, and even P.A. There are many others I don't remember right of hand. But you baby does need help with this problem, it will
not go away.

bchgirl · 11-24-2009, 06:26 AM

Have you contacted Cornell? Dr Center developed the bile acid test and they do perform the surgeries there.

Mom to Hot Rod · 11-24-2009, 07:37 AM

I just wanted to say that I hope all goes well. When Hot Rod had his lp surgery, I got Care Credit to help pay the bills.

sbshoegrl · 11-24-2009, 09:07 AM

Wow! Im so impressed with all the responses and advice i have gotten it really means alot!

It wierd because my vet told me since money is an issue that rather than spend an extra 400.00 on an ultra sound that i should just have the surgery because no matter what Lola will need surgery...He determined this because of her bile acid levels which were 104. The same test my vet did. I payed $146.00 to go see the specialist and he didnt do anything but look at the fax from my vet and this was what he came up with. He put her on lactulose for now.

If going to Cornell or even the University of Tennesse will be more cost effective than i would travel. It will mean missing work but ill do what i have to do. I went with Garden State Veternary Specialists because 2 people at my job had there puppys surgery there and they came very highly recomended, never mind the fact that i can leave her there and not miss work. Also my Lola would stay there after the surgery for 2 days so they could monitor her. Also shes never been neutered so he said he would do that while she under the anesthesia and the price would still be 3400.00.

What do you all think? Also if anyone has phone numbers to these other doctors it would be greatly appreciated!

Patti · 11-24-2009, 10:49 AM

Sorry you are going through this. When Cali Bile Acd tests were high the specialist I went to said that usually scores less than 100 are found to be MVD (no surgical cure) and over 100 can indicate a external shunt. Since your baby's test results were so close I think I would want to do more testing before going to surgery unless other indications show a definite shunt. Cali's score was in the 90's and after a ultrasound showed no external shunt we went to a liver biopsy that was done when she was spayed. The liver biopsy showed a very mild case of MVD. This is just my thoughts and experience and in no way am I advising you on the medical care of your baby. I hope it works out for you.

TLC · 11-24-2009, 11:03 AM

I posted in your other thread, but my Roxy's first BAT was Pre: 43 and Post 100.9 and she does NOT have a shunt, rather she has MVD.

I think it is rather foolish to open a dog for LS surgery based on a BAT of 104 and even more foolish to spend 4K on it.

If it were me, I would need more proof that there was in fact a shunt, not just a huntch....

sbshoegrl · 11-24-2009, 11:06 AM

Thankyou for your input. The specialist said because money was an issue rather than spending an extra 400 on the ultra sound she should just go in for the surgery because no matter what she is going to need surgery. If it is outside her liver than the cost would be less but i should anticipate 3400.00

TLC · 11-24-2009, 11:06 AM

U of Tenn and Cornell would also do the spay as well.

I have heard U of Tenn being approx. $1800 for all the tests, the LS repair and spay and hospital stay. I am not sure of Cornell, but they could give you an idea over the phone.

I do not have phone numbers, but you can search for the Vet School area of both Universities, it should not be difficult to find.

TLC · 11-24-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbshoegrl

Thankyou for your input. The specialist said because money was an issue rather than spending an extra 400 on the ultra sound she should just go in for the surgery because no matter what she is going to need surgery. If it is outside her liver than the cost would be less but i should anticipate 3400.00

What other tests were done? How can he be 100% sure she has a Shunt? (he can't be, that's the problem I have....)

Robin Lodal · 11-24-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLC

I posted in your other thread, but my Roxy's first BAT was Pre: 43 and Post 100.9 and she does NOT have a shunt, rather she has MVD.

I think it is rather foolish to open a dog for LS surgery based on a BAT of 104 and even more foolish to spend 4K on it.

If it were me, I would need more proof that there was in fact a shunt, not just a huntch....

My Ginger had BA of 69 pre and 129 post... had a scintigraphy completed and everything at UT, went in for surgery and she did NOT have a shunt... so... sometimes the ONLY way to completely rule it out is surgery. Sad but true... so Ginger just has MVD... so clearly the bile acids can be all over the place.

11-23-2009, 10:26 AM	#1
sbshoegrl Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Staten Island Posts: 18	Liver shunt surgery My puppy needs liver shunt surgery and my vet informed me that its going to cost me 3400.00 and i have to come up w 75% of it for them to do the surgery. I cannot afford it i tried carecard and they only approved me for 500.00. Does anyone know of any vets that would do this type of surgery and let me make monthly payments? I live in Nj.

11-23-2009, 10:31 AM	#2
tegamom1 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,548	Have you talked to the breeder? They should be taking responsibility. Did you have a contract? __________________ Mary Ann A'Lea Yorkshire Terriers

11-24-2009, 06:26 AM	#7
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	Have you contacted Cornell? Dr Center developed the bile acid test and they do perform the surgeries there. __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

11-24-2009, 07:37 AM	#8
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	I just wanted to say that I hope all goes well. When Hot Rod had his lp surgery, I got Care Credit to help pay the bills. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

11-24-2009, 10:49 AM	#10
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Sorry you are going through this. When Cali Bile Acd tests were high the specialist I went to said that usually scores less than 100 are found to be MVD (no surgical cure) and over 100 can indicate a external shunt. Since your baby's test results were so close I think I would want to do more testing before going to surgery unless other indications show a definite shunt. Cali's score was in the 90's and after a ultrasound showed no external shunt we went to a liver biopsy that was done when she was spayed. The liver biopsy showed a very mild case of MVD. This is just my thoughts and experience and in no way am I advising you on the medical care of your baby. I hope it works out for you. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

11-23-2009, 10:43 AM	#3
sbshoegrl Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Staten Island Posts: 18	I got her from a friend whose dog had puppies. I contacted her and she told me she would refund me the money and take her back but i donot want to give her back i love her! I guess shes not quite the friend i thought she was. No there was no contract.

11-23-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
Cookie2 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 1,568	Wow that is expensive. Cookie needed this surgery and they only found MVD which is a type of liver shunt but could be treated through diet. The vet told me that if they needed to put a shunt that it would cost like $200 more. The total was about $1400. I had carecredit at that time and it covered it but you mentioned they only gave you $500 I understand how you wont return her. You fall in love immediately with these little furbabies. I would call around to other hospital and fax them your dog's diagnosis. Even if you have to drive to the next state, if it saves you $1,000 its worth it. I called around and the price range was $3000 down to $1200 . It really ranges from state to state. I know this must be very stressful. I did not have the money and was hysterical because I feared the worst. Keep calling around Gen

11-24-2009, 02:07 AM	#5
Chance Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clarkrange Posts: 130	Hi, Chance had a liver shunt, Dr. Karen Tobias at the U. of Tenn. did her liver shunt repair surgery. Dr. Tobias is world known for liver shunt repair. Chance's total bill was under 1800.00. That included all blood work, and tests done. U. of Tenn, is the cheapest and the very best place to have the liver shunt repaired. They use the ameroid constrictor ring to close of the shunt, it is perfered method and the best to close of the shunt. MVD is not a form of a Liver Shunt. It is the disease of the liver, where the liver can not get rid of toxins in the blood, like protein. If you have any questions about Liver shunts go to liver_shunt_ and_mvd_support@ yahoogroups. com. I belong to this group. They are the best place for questions about liver shunts. You will have to request to join the group, but the moderators on this group is great. They have helped me through some very tuff times with Chance. Please join this group and help you understand about liver shunts. It is a very serious and life threat to your baby if not treated. But with the right treatment, your baby will live a long heathy life. It is not a death sentence, if you understand it, and are willing to do what is needed for you fur baby. That you, Sandy and Chance P.s. if you need to talk to me feel free to e-mail me privately, I will do my very best to help you and your baby.

11-24-2009, 02:18 AM	#6
Chance Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clarkrange Posts: 130	We also have many people on the group that I mentioned if my first post, that have traveled to U. of Tenn. for there babies liver shunt repair. People have found that even with travel expenses, it is cheaper to go to the U. of Tenn, for there liver shunt surgery. They are the very best place to go. So why not go to the best. Some of our members come from Fl, Utah, New York, and even P.A. There are many others I don't remember right of hand. But you baby does need help with this problem, it will not go away.

11-24-2009, 09:07 AM	#9
sbshoegrl Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Staten Island Posts: 18	Wow! Im so impressed with all the responses and advice i have gotten it really means alot! It wierd because my vet told me since money is an issue that rather than spend an extra 400.00 on an ultra sound that i should just have the surgery because no matter what Lola will need surgery...He determined this because of her bile acid levels which were 104. The same test my vet did. I payed $146.00 to go see the specialist and he didnt do anything but look at the fax from my vet and this was what he came up with. He put her on lactulose for now. If going to Cornell or even the University of Tennesse will be more cost effective than i would travel. It will mean missing work but ill do what i have to do. I went with Garden State Veternary Specialists because 2 people at my job had there puppys surgery there and they came very highly recomended, never mind the fact that i can leave her there and not miss work. Also my Lola would stay there after the surgery for 2 days so they could monitor her. Also shes never been neutered so he said he would do that while she under the anesthesia and the price would still be 3400.00. What do you all think? Also if anyone has phone numbers to these other doctors it would be greatly appreciated!

11-24-2009, 11:03 AM	#11
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	I posted in your other thread, but my Roxy's first BAT was Pre: 43 and Post 100.9 and she does NOT have a shunt, rather she has MVD. I think it is rather foolish to open a dog for LS surgery based on a BAT of 104 and even more foolish to spend 4K on it. If it were me, I would need more proof that there was in fact a shunt, not just a huntch.... __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

11-24-2009, 11:06 AM	#12
sbshoegrl Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Staten Island Posts: 18	Thankyou for your input. The specialist said because money was an issue rather than spending an extra 400 on the ultra sound she should just go in for the surgery because no matter what she is going to need surgery. If it is outside her liver than the cost would be less but i should anticipate 3400.00 Last edited by sbshoegrl; 11-24-2009 at 11:08 AM.