[TaylorWoods]

I have only seen this thread now so let me first say how amazing you are for even bothering to save her life - many people would not and if you hadnt helped her when you did who knows what would have happened. My respect to you for being so brave and bringing in a sick puppy to your home and trying to hard to get her the help she needs.

I have never had a dog that has had liver shunt but my little female had a REALLY rocky start in life. Much to even my horror the breeder let all her puppies go to their new homes at 6 weeks old, fully innoculated as well and I figured she was simply tired when I picked her up because she was very weak but I also put that down to her age and size and the fact that she had been in a crate all day while her siblings were dropped off and she was the last to go.

My friend bought her sister and phoned me frantically that night asking if Taylor was ok. I had put her in her new bed in a quiet spot to rest after eating and tried not to disturb her too much. When I went to check she was literally lying in her own vomit and wasnt able to even lift her head. Can you believe that this puppy who the breeder claimed was "weaned" didnt have a single tooth in her mouth??? and she was obviously so hungry that she had swollowed her food whole and thrown it all up.

I had to rush her into emergency - i was very inexperienced. knowing what I know now i would never even dream of getting a puppy of any breed at that age. Apparently her white blood cell count was sky high and she was suffering from major stress. She went straight onto a drip and medication and was moving around the next day but I was feeding her by hand and she vomited yellow bile up for weeks afterwards. I never expected her to live and neither did the vets to be honest.

But my vet also didnt explain much to me - i still dont know if there is a name for what she suffered with but I know she would have died if I hadnt got her there in time. The vet suggested not sending her back to her mommy because the trauma of having to be separated again would be tough on her. What I did was syringe water into her mouth at the vet's orders to make sure she was hydrated which is important at ALL times. He also suggested adding a tiny bit of glocuse powder to it to give her some energy. And she was given electrolites to boost her energy levels as well. I liquidised all her food, fed her grated chicken piece by piece and never slept for more than a week. I was scared if i closed my eyes so would she and she would be gone when I woke up. She slept between my pillows to give her warmth and comfort - I believe they can feel your love and respond to it.

If i was you I would take some of the advice on the thread and find a specialist. You seem very dedicated to saving this little one and giving her the best quality of life possible. Never take just one man's opinion especially if you are not satisfied with the information they give. Im from the other side of the world though so I dont know who you can contact but im sure someone here must know. Be prepared to travel if need be as well.

I know of one individual on this very forum who never thought her baby would survive and today she is strong and healthy so there is always hope. Do as much research online as you can - find other forums that might focus on the medical issues and might be able to add vital information and get a second, third and even forth opinion if need be.