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Ellie May · 05-22-2008, 09:57 AM

I'm so sorry.

Because the ultrasound was inconclusive, I would not go to surgery just yet.
There is no reason to risk anesthesia if a shunt hasn't been diagnosed.
Although high numbers like that usually do mean shunt, there is a slight chance that is could be microvascular dysplasia for which there is no cure, only management.

I would consider doing a Protein C test on her and possibly scintography.
Then if a shunt is diagnosed surgery probably should be attempted.

There are risks to the surgery but there is a fairly good success rate and she would have a better chance at living a long life.

Here is an article written by Dr. Tobias from DVM News:
Surgery STAT: CPSS surgery and aftercare - - DVM

Because Dr. Tobias is probably the most knowledgeable person about liver shunt (along with Dr. Center), I'd have to go with her recommendations.

If at all possible, it would be best to have the surgery done at University of Tennessee. Dr. Tobias was the first to do it with the constrictor and the surgeons there are highly trained. I think it is also one of the cheapest places (usually under $1800 with spay or neuter and maybe even testing).

UofT has the best success rate as far as I know and less post-op problems.
Of course, there is a risk wherever it is done.

As for the food, K/D is not recommended because one of the ingredients is liver and K/D and L/D kibble contain ethoxyquin. L/D canned or Royal Canin LS Hepatic 14 kibble are recommended, however, Royal Canin has made several Yorkies very itchy. If you feed kibble you may want to soak it in equal parts water because moisture is very important for liver compromised dogs.

What supplements are you giving?
Are you a member of the Yahoo Liver Shunt group yet?

05-22-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	I'm so sorry. Because the ultrasound was inconclusive, I would not go to surgery just yet. There is no reason to risk anesthesia if a shunt hasn't been diagnosed. Although high numbers like that usually do mean shunt, there is a slight chance that is could be microvascular dysplasia for which there is no cure, only management. I would consider doing a Protein C test on her and possibly scintography. Then if a shunt is diagnosed surgery probably should be attempted. There are risks to the surgery but there is a fairly good success rate and she would have a better chance at living a long life. Here is an article written by Dr. Tobias from DVM News: Surgery STAT: CPSS surgery and aftercare - - DVM Because Dr. Tobias is probably the most knowledgeable person about liver shunt (along with Dr. Center), I'd have to go with her recommendations. If at all possible, it would be best to have the surgery done at University of Tennessee. Dr. Tobias was the first to do it with the constrictor and the surgeons there are highly trained. I think it is also one of the cheapest places (usually under $1800 with spay or neuter and maybe even testing). UofT has the best success rate as far as I know and less post-op problems. Of course, there is a risk wherever it is done. As for the food, K/D is not recommended because one of the ingredients is liver and K/D and L/D kibble contain ethoxyquin. L/D canned or Royal Canin LS Hepatic 14 kibble are recommended, however, Royal Canin has made several Yorkies very itchy. If you feed kibble you may want to soak it in equal parts water because moisture is very important for liver compromised dogs. What supplements are you giving? Are you a member of the Yahoo Liver Shunt group yet? __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 Last edited by Ellie May; 05-22-2008 at 09:58 AM.