I have an ongoing problem with my 2 year old Yorkie, Emma. She was tested at Tufts University and she does have a shunt. We need to contact the surgeon to find out what to do next. Shunts, as I understand, are genetic so I am not sure what you mean by an "acquired" shunt.
That said, I would suggest you skip the ultrasound which many here on this forum have noted is unreliable. My vet insisted that I have it done because it was not invasive. Emma's ultrasound showed that she didn't have a shunt. The tech at Tufts was supposedly excellent. However, I was worried because her BAT tests (multiple tests) remained in the 500 range!
The next step was to have a scintigraphy test where she was injected with a radiated dye so if she had a shunt it would absolutely be located. Emma had to be kept overnight at Tufts to make sure the radiation was flushed from her system before we could bring her home. The test showed that she definately has a shunt which contradicted the ultrasound test result.
So, again, if I would definitely advise that you save the money spent on the ultrasound ( my cost was about $383) since the test wasn't/ and usually isn't accurate. The scintigraphy was almost an additional $700. But now I know my poor little one has a shunt.
The good news is that since her first incidents in December with the vommiting of bile and loose stools, she is no longer showing any clinical signs of having a shunt. She is as energertic as ever. She does tale 1ML of Metronidozole every day with breakfast which now is Eukanuba's/Iams low residue kibble. I do add a bit of fresh boiled chicken tender pieces and, at times, some fresh raw baby carrots pieces to her food.
However, the reality is that she does have a shunt. As soon as I contact the surgeon I will let this forum know whether or not surgery is the only option availble. I am concerned about having the surgery because I have read that there are complications such as seizures/ blindness. But, then again, I also have read that the shunt surgery can be successful.
Take care. I hope Lacy feels better soon. I would go right for the scintigraphy test as you most likely will have to have it anyway.
DAB |