Wow that is expensive. Cookie needed this surgery and they only found MVD which is a type of liver shunt but could be treated through diet.
The vet told me that if they needed to put a shunt that it would cost like $200 more. The total was about $1400.
I had carecredit at that time and it covered it but you mentioned they only gave you $500
I understand how you wont return her. You fall in love immediately with these little furbabies. I would call around to other hospital and fax them your dog's diagnosis. Even if you have to drive to the next state, if it saves you $1,000 its worth it. I called around and the price range was $3000 down to $1200 . It really ranges from state to state. I know this must be very stressful. I did not have the money and was hysterical because I feared the worst. Keep calling around
Gen