Originally Posted by sweetyorkie  I'm so sorry! I know exactly what you are going through, because I'm going through it with my Yorkie puppy right now. My puppy, Bridgett, was diagnosed with portosystemic liver shunt. She needs surgery to save her life, and I have been searching for organiazations that could help with the cost.
I bought her from a breeder while in Arkansas on vacation on 9-28-11. I live in California. We took our motorhome. She was 10 weeks old. After I picked her up, I noticed she was making sound, like she was choking or gaging. Turns out she had kennel cough. I called the breeder the next day. He said "she had her bordatella shot. Maybe it's your air conditioner". I didn't know "anything" about kennel cough. I just told him that we would keep an eye on her. She also didn't want to eat or drink. She also slept alot.
We we got back home to California and she kept getting worse. After having her for only one week, I took her to my vet. She had PNEUMONIA!
I treated the pneumomia at home, giving her IV fluids SQ, anitbiotics, Nutrical and other supplements I ordered.
So, just thinking the kennel cough and pneumonia had taken a toll on her health, I was wondering why she was still thin, looking poorly, unhealthy hair coat, and continuing to be dehydarated. She still never wants to eat or drink water. She was looking so bad, I took her back to my vet on 10-28-11, and told her that something was really wrong with Bridgett, and we needed to find out what was going on with her.
There were several test done, including a complete blood panel and a bile acid test. Her bile acids were "off the chart". So, my puppy has portosystemic liver shunt. It is a genetic defect that diverts blood around her liver intstead of through it. She needs surgery to survive. I contacted the breeder, and all they said was to ship her back and they would send a replacement when one comes available. Very cold! I don't want another puppy! I love Bridgett! They do not give refunds or pay vet bills.
So, until someone can offer financial help with her surgery, which is from $3000 to $6000 at UC Davis, I will continue to treat her by giving her IV fluids SQ, Lactulose, antibiotics, Nutrical, Isotone-SA, Oxydrops and fixing her "low protein" foods. I feel so helpless! She is so tired of being poked with a needle. She starts shaking when she knows what I'm going to do. She does not deserve this! It makes me sick. She is so sweet and loves life. I will not give up on her.
As far as Bella goes, I sure hope she gets well and that you find out what is going on with her. I just wanted to let you know that she might have PSS like Bridgett, and just offer a direction for you, maybe. I sure hope not! Some of her symptoms sounded the same. Good luck with your baby! |