Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc  Ha! I am SCREWED! I don't remember ever seeing this on the UT site:
Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to provide free or low-cost care to our clients. The UT Veterinary Medical Center is regulated by a state "fair competition" clause, and thus our fees are comparable to those of regional specialty private clinics.
I think this means they've raised their prices.... anybody got a number that'll go through on the weekends?
I don't believe she's that painful at all. No, her U/As always came back w/crystals, but cleared after the AB therapy. Her BA was 126 post when this all started. I did insist on an xray early on to check for liver size and bladder stones. At that time I was not aware of amonium urates not showing on xray, only on U/S. After being involved with LittleLily's case, I realized the problem and had the U/S done asap.
I could cry. Everything, and I mean everything I've heard or read since I got Tink and joined here and started researching Liver Shunts, and what vets have said (third party info and my own) is that the U/S is done to see if there is a shunt, how many and the location, and to determine if the shunt was operable, and best done by the surgeon doing the surgery, as shunts can be difficult to find unless the person doing the U/S was very experienced in finding shunts. I was told I could manage her on diet and meds, and ABs when needed for UTIs. Nothing was ever mentioned about the kidneys, other than some dogs form kidney stones, but not all. Well, live and learn.
I have also read that once the Liver Shunt is repaired, the kidney stones would resolve on their own, as the amonia will then be removed by the liver, hence changing the environment in the kidneys, making it less stone friendly and what was there would disolve on their own. Thoughts? (And I will be discussing this with the surgeon). |
I've always said (and this has not been too popular on here) that I'd go a first step with an ultrasound and took the view that an experienced reader (i.e. board certified radiologist) had a good chance and finding a shunt. I believe (and this is only my opinion and not based on data) that vets are not finding shunts on u/s because REGULAR vets are doing it and not highly skilled u/s readers or BC radiologists. I have stated over and over that u/s gave very detailed information on my Daisy's liver and last week again u/s gave us information on Barney's liver. Shunts CAN and ARE picked up by u/s depending on the reader and it is the very least expensive and invasive option. At worst you are $185 poorer (Northeast pricing of $150 u/s + $35 radiology consult) but at best you learn some detailed information. An ultrasound done in a specialty hospital will ALWAYS be an ABDOMINAL ultrasound and looks at EVERYTHING. I know all about all of Barney's organs from last week's ultrasound from his liver to his pancreas to his kidneys to his stomach to his adrenal glands.
I am sorry your research led to this result. I think it is part of the danger on reading things in a vacuum and doing our own research without having the clinical training and education to back us up. But, it doesn't matter now what you read, what your research revealed, what your conclusions were, or any of that. You now have a diagnosis, a clear clinical picture, and a recommendation by a veterinarian. You are stepping up for the dog now and that is what counts in my book. You need to take this matter to completion, for the best interest of the dog, and one way or another she needs treatment. If you can't afford it, you have options and so does Tinkerbell.
On the pricing on UT's site, I think they are saying their prices are in line with private clinics in their region, which may still be lower than your area.
Oh and on the surgery, I'd get the kidney stones out at the same time if they were able to do so. I know this jacks the cost but I'd rather do that than risk that their may not be dissolution on their own or putting the dog through major invasive surgery twice.
I wished your news was better for you and Tinkerbell. I will keep you both in my prayers.