Duke dxd w/Liver Shunt
 

My husband and I are in total shock, our little boy has been dxd with a liver shunt at the young age of 5 months. It all started yesterday morning with what appeared to be a seizure and total blindness at 6am, called the vet and he confirmed it was a seizure and said to watch him for another hour and call back with an update because he was currently in surgery. Well just as I was getting ready to call Duke had another seizure. Called the vet and took him right in. The vet kept him overnight for observation and it appears he has had no more seizures.

The vet has determined based on the evidence that it is most likely a liver shunt, but has not determined if it is inside or outside the liver. Currently the vet is trying to find someone who can confirm the shunt and what it would cost to operate on it. So far no other vets he has contacted would do the surgery, it is currently looking like a University surgery. Does anyone know the cost associated with this and a good resource to find out more about it? I have been researching the web and it sounds like this is a very delicate operation, and that the recovery can be difficult.

We are just devistated, we went to pick him up this morning and it was awful, he went crazy, barking and crying and we could not hang on to him. Once the vet took him back in a different room he seemed calmer, we had to leave him there since something about us being around really affected him. I would assume that he could smell us but because he couldn't see us that really affected him. :cry:

Has anyone else had experience with this and was the surgery successful? Also it appears Duke is having alot of neurological problems, will the surgery resolve them or are they possible permanent?

Currently we are waiting for the vet to find someone to help us.

Unfortunately this is very common in Yorkies. :(

Why is he still at the vet if he isn't doing anything for him?

While it does sound like a shunt, without blood work the vet can't possibly know...

This surgery is usually done at a university. The U of Tenn. is the place of choice. they use an ameroid constrictor to slowly close the shunt while some other surgeons use the cellophane band. The constrictor seems to be preferred.

What food does the vet have your pup on now and has he been started on supplements.

the U of Tenn. has a page dedicated to this disease. It is easily Googleable. :)

It is possible that it is Microvascular Dysplasia (small shunting throughout the liver) and in that case, surgery cannot be done. It is managed by diet and supplements.

I am so sorry to hear this news...Please try to remain calm. This is not a death sentence, and catching this early is good :thumbup:

Here is a group dedicated to Liver Disease (LS and MVD) - Lots of good people there with tons and tons of experience and advice ;)

DogLiverDisease : Dog Liver Disease

Has anyone else had experience with this and was the surgery successful? Also it appears Duke is having alot of neurological problems, will the surgery resolve them or are they possible permanent?

Surgery is quite successful - so that's a plus...

After care is important. Special diet and supplements are recommended. Some Vets will say he will be 100% healthy after the shunt is repaired and that nothing 'special' is required. But that is NOT true. If you join that Yahoo group you will find that is it extremely important to keep LS babies on a special diet and supplements.

The neurological problems are HE symptoms. His liver can not filter and process the toxins in his body (from the wrong food) - so those toxins are being able to travel to his brain, causing these neuro problems.

Once he is on the proper food and supplements and if he is a candidate for surgery, this should be able to be under control. :D

We are here for you, you are not alone...There are many, many babies with LS and MVD here on this site and the Yahoo Group :)

I am so sorry to hear about Duke. Make sure your vet is familiar with liver shunts and get him tested and to a specialist as soon as possible. I have Cali who was diagnosed with a very mild MVD (internal shunt) and she is doing good.