[sunyluvsma]

Originally Posted by Princessgrace

Just got back from the University of Tennessee late yesterday. Dr Tobias and the staff are just wonderful! Unfortunately they couldn't help Grace. Grace is in the rare group (1-2%) that are born without a portal vein. Her shunt is actually what is keeping her alive. Dr Tobias said she could possibly live 1-5 years. She is on LD, lactalose and milk thistle. They weren't able to do the scintigraphy the day before surgery, because the girl that does them wasn't in. We decided to just go ahead with the surgery as planned, so Grace just actually got a spay and a liver biopsy. Dr Tobias said to just take her home and love her. No worry to that! Grace will be more than spoiled!

I'm so sorry that a surgery was not able to help Gracie. Just so you know, some that have the surgery also need to be on modified diets for life. No two pups are the same and surgery does not give you a guarantee to a pup that is 100% healthy.

I do rescue work and am now taking care of my third LS baby. Each one has had different needs. My first two each had the surgery and are both on LD for life due to MVD.

Just know this is not a death sentence and they can live long happy lives with this disease.

Now, if we could only get these breeders to check their stock before they bred them, we wouldn't be dealing with all these sick little babies.

Good Luck and keep us posted as to how she's doing!