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Originally Posted by SassyAnn101  I lost my Gizmo February 1st to a liver shunt. He was almost four years old. He had some problems/symptoms from the time I brought him home at 12 weeks. He wouldnt eat dog food at all, he would shake and stagger around after eating, or sometimes for no reason at all. I was told it was a drop in his blood sugar. I would give him Nutri Cal or Kyro Syurp and in about 10-15 min. he would recover. He als had very dry flaky hair and did not gain weight. I fed him baby food (chicken), broiled chicken with white rice, or chicken hot dogs most of his life. His first year was hard, then he had over two good years with very little episodes. Then in this past November he started going down hill. We tried almost everything, but he was only getting worse. After being diagnosied at the University Of Tennessee with a Liver Shunt. He had the surgery on January 29th, although he pulled through the surgery I lost him on February 1. After the surgery the doctor told me that his liver was very small and the vessels inside the liver was very small. There was concerns that his liver could function after the shunt was closed becasue of the condition of the liver. I was told that the younger the baby is when surgery is done the better chance that the liver will recover. I am very sorry for poor Lacy. I understand how you must feel. I am torn most of the time with the what if question. I am thankful for the three + years that I had with my baby, but if I had him tested as a puppy would I still have him even today? Some times L/S can be treated with a proper diet and medication. The surgery is risky. I wish the best for you and your baby. I hope my story has helped in some way. If you have any more questions I will be happy to try and help. |
I'm so sorry about your loss
I feel it's easier on a younger dog than an older one since the liver is already compromised and hasn't been functioning right for a long time. I think although with diet and medication it can be controlled but only for a certain length of time. That is why it's so important to health test before breeding.
Donna