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MoxieEli · 11-22-2008, 08:13 AM

Hi,

I am facing a very difficult decision and I'm hoping conversing with other Yorkie owners will help me thru this.

In May of 2008 we adopted 2 male Yorkies (brothers). Moxie is larger and stronger of the two, very active and very loving. Eli is less active but also very loving. Moxie, the parents and siblings are all heathy.

Approximately two months ago we noticed Eli developed a limp and his rear legs were gradually becoming weaker and unstable. A month ago the vet did an x-ray and determined Eli may have early stages of hip dysplasia. It was decided to bring him back in one month for more x-rays.

Yesterday when I came home from work and took the dogs outside, I noticed Eli was struggling to pee. After several attempts all he could produce was a slow drip. Shortly after we were on our way to the vet.

The vet suspected bladder stones but could not see them in an x-ray. An x-ray of Eli's hips did verify hip dysplasia. The vet instructed me to take Eli to the emergency hospital immediately.

At the emergency hospital they gave Eli a mild sedative and inserted a catheter to drain his bladder. An ultra sound verified bladder stones. Although the stones will need to be analyzed, a blood test leads the vet to believe Eli has a liver shunt. The vet gave me my options, I held Eli for a short time, paid a deposit and then drove home to discuss the situation with my wife.

At 1:00 my wife had a long talk with the vet and we decided to go ahead with surgery to remove the stones to buy us time to make other decisions. Because Eli will need surgery for hip dysplasia and for a possible liver shunt we asked the vet what he would do if he were us. We understand Yorkies can have difficulties with anesthesia. The vet felt 3 major operations may be too much for Eli and there are no guarantees he'll survive. He basically said he wouldn't do it and we should consider the alternatives.

I hate to make a decision on Eli's life because of money. But there are no guarantees that he will live a happy and healthy life after all of this or will survive the operations. We are looking at $1300 for last nights surgery, $3-5000 for liver shunt (more if 2 operations are required) and $1000+ for hip operation.

I'm hoping you all can provide information and help me with very hard decision. What would you do?

Sorry for such a depressing message. Thanks to all who respond.

Moxie and Eli's dad.

11-22-2008, 08:13 AM	#1
MoxieEli YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sidney, Maine, USA Posts: 9	My Yorkie needs 3 operations.... Hi, I am facing a very difficult decision and I'm hoping conversing with other Yorkie owners will help me thru this. In May of 2008 we adopted 2 male Yorkies (brothers). Moxie is larger and stronger of the two, very active and very loving. Eli is less active but also very loving. Moxie, the parents and siblings are all heathy. Approximately two months ago we noticed Eli developed a limp and his rear legs were gradually becoming weaker and unstable. A month ago the vet did an x-ray and determined Eli may have early stages of hip dysplasia. It was decided to bring him back in one month for more x-rays. Yesterday when I came home from work and took the dogs outside, I noticed Eli was struggling to pee. After several attempts all he could produce was a slow drip. Shortly after we were on our way to the vet. The vet suspected bladder stones but could not see them in an x-ray. An x-ray of Eli's hips did verify hip dysplasia. The vet instructed me to take Eli to the emergency hospital immediately. At the emergency hospital they gave Eli a mild sedative and inserted a catheter to drain his bladder. An ultra sound verified bladder stones. Although the stones will need to be analyzed, a blood test leads the vet to believe Eli has a liver shunt. The vet gave me my options, I held Eli for a short time, paid a deposit and then drove home to discuss the situation with my wife. At 1:00 my wife had a long talk with the vet and we decided to go ahead with surgery to remove the stones to buy us time to make other decisions. Because Eli will need surgery for hip dysplasia and for a possible liver shunt we asked the vet what he would do if he were us. We understand Yorkies can have difficulties with anesthesia. The vet felt 3 major operations may be too much for Eli and there are no guarantees he'll survive. He basically said he wouldn't do it and we should consider the alternatives. I hate to make a decision on Eli's life because of money. But there are no guarantees that he will live a happy and healthy life after all of this or will survive the operations. We are looking at $1300 for last nights surgery, $3-5000 for liver shunt (more if 2 operations are required) and $1000+ for hip operation. I'm hoping you all can provide information and help me with very hard decision. What would you do? Sorry for such a depressing message. Thanks to all who respond. Moxie and Eli's dad.