Portosystemic Shunt..... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jenbell_02 · 05-20-2009, 07:26 AM

My 8 week old male yorkie was just diagnosed yesterday with Portosystemic Shunt....I am in shock over this....just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this AND what treatments were taken and also what the outcomes were. I was told and have read that surgery is the best option BUT will he live a normal life afterwards?? Ugggh....I hate that he has this...he's too cute. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks!

Ellie May · 05-20-2009, 07:31 AM

If it is truly a shunt and it is outside of the liver (extrahepatic), surgery is the besst way to go with a young dog. He has a much better chance with surgery. It looks like you aren't too far from University of Tennessee which is the preferred place to have it done. Either there are Cornell...

How did the vet come to this conclusion though?
What tests were done?
What symptoms does your pup have?

bchgirl · 05-20-2009, 07:31 AM

I'm sorry your little guy was diagnosed with a shunt, fortunately with surgery he can live a long healthy life.

You may want to explain how they came up with this diagnosis. Many vets aren't familiar with liver shunt and we can help you in regards to the next steps and testing.

Here's some additional information....

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

Also a quick search on this site for the phrase liver shunt will bring up loads of threads.

jenbell_02 · 05-20-2009, 07:43 AM

Thanks! Well he started getting sick on Saturday morning....he was throwing up and very wobbly and had NO appetite. I called the vet and he told me to give him Karo syrup and water. I did, and he pepped up after about an hour. Then he got sick again that afternoon and I had to do it all over again. Sunday morning he was PITIFUL and I pumped him full of gatorade and after that episode he has had NO problems, he plays around jumping, barking, biting just like any normal puppy.

The test my vet performed was a blood test....not sure exactly what it would be called. I was also told of University of Tennessee by my vet and another lady who uses him that had the same thing happen to her puppy.

I just really hate it for the little guy.

Also, does anyone know the chances of it recurring?

TLC · 05-20-2009, 07:43 AM

Yes - There is lots and lots of info regarding Liver Shunt here on YT

My advice is to go to the U of Tenn - since you are pretty close, they are one of the BEST, leaders in the Liver Shunt surgery, they have very, very successful outcomes. Also, they are pretty reasonable in costs, I think you could have all the pre tests, neuter and liver shunt surgery all around $1000 to $1300

Also join this group for addition support and guidance:
DogLiverDisease : Dog Liver Disease

TLC · 05-20-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenbell_02

Thanks! Well he started getting sick on Saturday morning....he was throwing up and very wobbly and had NO appetite. I called the vet and he told me to give him Karo syrup and water. I did, and he pepped up after about an hour. Then he got sick again that afternoon and I had to do it all over again. Sunday morning he was PITIFUL and I pumped him full of gatorade and after that episode he has had NO problems, he plays around jumping, barking, biting just like any normal puppy.

The test my vet performed was a blood test....not sure exactly what it would be called. I was also told of University of Tennessee by my vet and another lady who uses him that had the same thing happen to her puppy.

I just really hate it for the little guy.

Also, does anyone know the chances of it recurring?

Yes - I suggest the U of Tenn - You can not go wrong. If he is a candidate for LS surgery, it is very successful. He will need to be on a special diet and supplements, but he should live a normal happy life.

He does run the risk of shooting another shunt or acquiring MVD ~ but I feel that if you keep him on the right path with food and diet and check his blood work etc often, he should be ok

jenbell_02 · 05-20-2009, 07:50 AM

That is so helpful! Thanks to all of you! Have any of you had any experience with your dogs having this? I have since put him on the special low-protein prescribed food and a small dose of lactulose. How soon can he have surgery?

jenbell_02 · 05-20-2009, 07:58 AM

That is good to hear. Some people think I'm crazy to want to spend that $$ for surgery on a puppy but this little guy is sooo cute and has such a great attitude! I was told it was $1900 but your figures sound better! Have you spoken with anyone from the University about this? And to have him neutered also would be a plus since I will NOT be using him as a stud after finding this out!

bchgirl · 05-20-2009, 07:59 AM

What type of bloodtest? Any other symptoms? What you're describing sounds more like a hypoglycemic episode than LS. How does he act after eating?

Ellie May · 05-20-2009, 08:01 AM

Do you have the results for the bile acids test (blood test that was done)?

It does sound like a liver shunt but it could also be MVD (microvascular dysplasia. That is small shunting throughout that liver that is managed by diet and meds...not operable. It is important to figure out which one it is before surgery is attempted since you don't do surgery for MVD. A scintography could be done or a Protein C test. U of T could do the scint. and if your vet said it is time to go there, then I would not hesitate.

It is very likely that symptoms will return, especially if he gets ahold of the wrong type of protein.

TLC · 05-20-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenbell_02

That is good to hear. Some people think I'm crazy to want to spend that $$ for surgery on a puppy but this little guy is sooo cute and has such a great attitude! I was told it was $1900 but your figures sound better! Have you spoken with anyone from the University about this? And to have him neutered also would be a plus since I will NOT be using him as a stud after finding this out!

Your best bet is to go to the U of Tenn Vet website, get the contact info and see what is required. Your general Vet may have to give you a referral. Your pup *may* need to grow a little bit and get a little more healthier. So you may have to set an appt for a few weeks or even a month. But at that time all would be done over a few days and then you could bring him home.

A handful of people should chime in soon, but they have had LS surgery at U of Tenn and can give you more info

jenbell_02 · 05-20-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Do you have the results for the bile acids test (blood test that was done)?

It does sound like a liver shunt but it could also be MVD (microvascular dysplasia. That is small shunting throughout that liver that is managed by diet and meds...not operable. It is important to figure out which one it is before surgery is attempted since you don't do surgery for MVD. A scintography could be done or a Protein C test. U of T could do the scint. and if your vet said it is time to go there, then I would not hesitate.

It is very likely that symptoms will return, especially if he gets ahold of the wrong type of protein.

I guess I need to call my vet to get the results sent to me....all I know is he did a blood test and said it was unfortunately the liver shunt....

Ellie May · 05-20-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenbell_02

I guess I need to call my vet to get the results sent to me....all I know is he did a blood test and said it was unfortunately the liver shunt....

That does seem very likely but it is impossible to tell that it is liver shunt from the first blood test that is fun (the bile acids test).

kjc · 05-20-2009, 02:20 PM

Hope these help:

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

www.livershunt.com

Keep us posted, you and your little one will be in our thoughts and prayers!

kjc · 05-20-2009, 03:29 PM

Did you say 8 Week Old pup? I think I'd be contacting the breeder, unless this is a PM Rescue. How long have you had him?

Sorry... BTW Welcome to YT!!!

05-20-2009, 07:26 AM	#1
jenbell_02 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Moultrie, GA, USA Posts: 5	Portosystemic Shunt..... My 8 week old male yorkie was just diagnosed yesterday with Portosystemic Shunt....I am in shock over this....just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this AND what treatments were taken and also what the outcomes were. I was told and have read that surgery is the best option BUT will he live a normal life afterwards?? Ugggh....I hate that he has this...he's too cute. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

05-20-2009, 07:31 AM	#2
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	If it is truly a shunt and it is outside of the liver (extrahepatic), surgery is the besst way to go with a young dog. He has a much better chance with surgery. It looks like you aren't too far from University of Tennessee which is the preferred place to have it done. Either there are Cornell... How did the vet come to this conclusion though? What tests were done? What symptoms does your pup have? __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

05-20-2009, 07:31 AM	#3
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	I'm sorry your little guy was diagnosed with a shunt, fortunately with surgery he can live a long healthy life. You may want to explain how they came up with this diagnosis. Many vets aren't familiar with liver shunt and we can help you in regards to the next steps and testing. Here's some additional information.... Portosystemic Shunts FAQ Also a quick search on this site for the phrase liver shunt will bring up loads of threads. __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

05-20-2009, 07:43 AM	#5
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	Yes - There is lots and lots of info regarding Liver Shunt here on YT My advice is to go to the U of Tenn - since you are pretty close, they are one of the BEST, leaders in the Liver Shunt surgery, they have very, very successful outcomes. Also, they are pretty reasonable in costs, I think you could have all the pre tests, neuter and liver shunt surgery all around $1000 to $1300 Also join this group for addition support and guidance: DogLiverDisease : Dog Liver Disease __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

05-20-2009, 07:59 AM	#9
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	What type of bloodtest? Any other symptoms? What you're describing sounds more like a hypoglycemic episode than LS. How does he act after eating? __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

05-20-2009, 07:50 AM	#7
jenbell_02 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Moultrie, GA, USA Posts: 5	That is so helpful! Thanks to all of you! Have any of you had any experience with your dogs having this? I have since put him on the special low-protein prescribed food and a small dose of lactulose. How soon can he have surgery?

05-20-2009, 07:58 AM	#8
jenbell_02 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Moultrie, GA, USA Posts: 5	That is good to hear. Some people think I'm crazy to want to spend that $$ for surgery on a puppy but this little guy is sooo cute and has such a great attitude! I was told it was $1900 but your figures sound better! Have you spoken with anyone from the University about this? And to have him neutered also would be a plus since I will NOT be using him as a stud after finding this out!

05-20-2009, 08:01 AM	#10
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Do you have the results for the bile acids test (blood test that was done)? It does sound like a liver shunt but it could also be MVD (microvascular dysplasia. That is small shunting throughout that liver that is managed by diet and meds...not operable. It is important to figure out which one it is before surgery is attempted since you don't do surgery for MVD. A scintography could be done or a Protein C test. U of T could do the scint. and if your vet said it is time to go there, then I would not hesitate. It is very likely that symptoms will return, especially if he gets ahold of the wrong type of protein. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

05-20-2009, 02:20 PM	#14
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	Hope these help: Portosystemic Shunts FAQ www.livershunt.com Keep us posted, you and your little one will be in our thoughts and prayers! __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

05-20-2009, 03:29 PM	#15
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	Did you say 8 Week Old pup? I think I'd be contacting the breeder, unless this is a PM Rescue. How long have you had him? Sorry... BTW Welcome to YT!!! __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 05-20-2009 at 03:30 PM.