We had our surgery consult this morning and were notified of the risks of liver shunt surgery, etc. First an MRI must be done and if no liver shunt seen, they will do a biopsy which would be way less invasive then opening her up. Vet 80% sure it is a shunt. I asked her prognosis if no surgery done and he said very well she should live to 10 years old but the L/D diet is not meant for long term and dogs need their protein to be healthy. The risks for infections, siezures is 10% which is very high in my opinion but I feel I have not choice. Waiting on MRI and surgery which must be done within a week of each other until probably December or January -- this is so I can get my finances in order to pay for it. She is not in any distress right now nor shows any symptoms of liver disease which is good. The vet was okay with waiting until then as long as her health remains good. Obviously, if she starts shows symptoms; we will have to get the surgery done sooner and of course better to do surgery on a healthy dog versus a sick one. For those wondering the cost: the MRI is $850 and the surgery is $2400 to $2800 which includes follow-up visits, etc. |