First off, I have a question that concerns Franklin's condition at the current moment: after he finishes urinating the first time, he typically dribbles a bit of urine on the next several passes. Of concern, however, is the fact that on the third or fourth try, he starts making sputtering noises. One can hear what sounds like gas being passed from about ten feet away. Could this be emanating from his urethra and if so, what would cause this? It does not sound normal in the least.
...
Just got the bile acid tests back:
Pre-meal: 33.1 uM
Post-meal: 119.3 uM
Way elevated past normal (13-25 for both tests). Vet believes that he has PSS. We've been referred to a "specialist" who will administer ultrasound
(how much does this cost by the way?) to confirm shunt(s). Then, we will decide how to proceed. I don't know if I can justify spending $4000-$5000 on the surgery, especially as it is a risky procedure.
Anybody have any anecdotes concerning quality of life post-diagnosis of PSS? I don't even know how I would go about administering different diets to my two little guys, since they are used to eating very slowly and together. In addition to this, Franklin only eats after Geoffrey (my other one) starts eating so to put them in different rooms to eat will prove difficult.
I'm especially worried that if we choose not to operate, he is going to get more stones that will necessitate surgery which would drive costs up to that of fixing the shunt in the first place. Is there a medication that can break up stones as they form?
So sad. He is such a friendly little guy with so much personality!