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12-09-2010, 03:48 AM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: woodbridge, va
Posts: 2
| New Yorkie with a Portosystemic Shunt Here is my sad story, I recently deployed to Iraq only to have our Scotty Terrier of 16 years die shortly after I left. The loss was devastating to the family and me. The desire to have another dog was filled with our new Yorkie the wife PU in mid Nov. Blood work just confirmed that our Yorkie has a portosystemic shunt. My question to the group is how should I approach the breeder regarding this? I wil give the breeder the benefit of the doubt since I am still working to contact them but I have learned that these conditions are hereditary. We live in the DC area so any recommendations on vets to do the surgery is welcome. Thanks in advance. |
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12-09-2010, 04:26 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member | I'm very sorry your puppy is sick but want you to know shunts, if treated, are not a death sentence. They can be surgically repaired and there are many people here who can offer advice. What blood test was performed? Bile acid? And what were the numbers? Blood tests don't diagnose shunts, they only confirm additional testing is necessary. Usually from this point either a protein c test is done or scintigraphy. Shunts are considered hereditary in yorkshire terriers and yes, your breeder should be notified. Did you have a contract with a health guarantee? The bile acid test was developed by Dr. Center at Cornell University in NY...since you are located in DC...you may want to consider having the surgery performed there. Here's some additional information on shunts. Portosystemic Shunts FAQ
__________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com |
12-09-2010, 05:27 AM | #3 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: woodbridge, va
Posts: 2
| I am starting to think maybe the diagnosis is premature. Wife said he had low white blood cell count and elevated protein levels. Think she said in the 500 range and that 100's was what they should be. Could be mistaken though. He is now on antibiodics and has had his diet andjusted. She says that he has done a 180 and is not the same dog anymore. More energy, active. Acts like a puppy. Next step is the ultrasound I think. Still in the education phase of all this. Looks like the tax check will be set aside for possible surgery. In contact with the Virginia/Maryland vet univ for possible referral. |
12-09-2010, 07:07 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member | Phosphates are included in liver values, but they are always elevated in puppies and kids for that matter...because they are growing. A low white blood count can be caused by many things...and since he's responding to the antibiotics...that may be the sole cause of off kiltered bloodwork. Shunts are not treated with antiboitics and could actually cause the condition to become worse since all medication is filtered through the liver. Did he have any symptoms typical of a shunt? Head pressing, circling, seizures? You may want to contact.... The Veterinary Surgical Referral Practice of Northern Virginia
__________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com |
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