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06-08-2009, 12:21 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Indiana, PA
Posts: 18
| Next step? Hi all, So Roxy went in for her ultrasound on saturday and they think that they found an external liver shunt, as well as inflamed kidneys and stones. Unfortunately, the ultrasoundist (although a licensed veterinarian) was unable to offer me any advice in terms of surgery, severity, etc. Basically it was just like "Here's what I found... that's all I can tell you." So now I'm wondering what the next step is. Do I talk directly with a surgeon about Roxy's results and her options? Or do I need to make an appointment with my primary vet? I have many questions that I feel are probably better suited for her vet, but when I tried to make an appointment today it seemed that they didn't think a consultation with her was all that necessary. Is it standard protocol just to deal with the surgeon now? By the way, here is my list of questions if anyone could offer me any advice, I would appreciate it so much! -Can dogs with liver problems still use Frontline? Heartguard? -Will natural balance vegetarian be a sufficient diet for her before surgery? after surgery? -Will she always have to be on a low protein diet? -Will she ever be able to have a bully stick again? (her favorite treat/toy) -Will she have to be on lactulose forever? -If she is on lactulose forever, does that mean she will have diarrhea/soft frequent stools forever? It is getting really messy around the house. -Are there any treats I can give her? Right now I have only been giving her yucky I/D canned prescription food. Thank you all for your help! |
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06-08-2009, 12:41 PM | #2 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 664
| My Lola had her liver shunt repaired at University of TN, March 6. The best place for all of your answers is - Liver_Shunt_And_MVD_Support : Liver Shunt & MVD/HMD Support It is an amazing group of people with all of the answers. They can tell you the best vets and surgeons in your area and answer all of your diet questions. My little girl is like a different dog since the surgery. She feels and acts so much better - so full of energy now, it's unbelievable. 1) I would not use Frontline or Heartguard until you speak with a specialist 2) We use Hills LD and Royal Canin Hepatic Kibble 3) If the external shunt is the only problem, she should be able to eat normal again in a few months after surgery 4) DO NOT give bully sticks until after surgery - too high in protein 5) She may be able to stop the lactulose if the external shunt is the only problem 6) She can have watermelon and apples as treats Good luck! Please ask me any other questions you may have or better yet ask the people on the above website. They are very kind and knowledgeable - we would not have made it through without them! |
06-08-2009, 12:54 PM | #3 | |
And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Posts: 17,928
| Quote:
__________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 | |
06-08-2009, 01:05 PM | #4 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 664
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06-08-2009, 01:11 PM | #5 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Indiana, PA
Posts: 18
| Thank you! Can either of you provide more information about Dr. Center? How could I get in touch with her? I am only 5 hours from Cornell. Since she is the best, is there a long wait list for surgery? Any ideas around the soonest time I could be seen? I'm not sure whether to expect months of waiting or weeks. Also, does anyone have an estimate on cost if I use Dr. Center? Thanks! |
06-08-2009, 02:10 PM | #6 | |
And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Posts: 17,928
| Quote:
You may need a referral. She developed the bile acids test and is one of the best. I don't think there is a huge waiting list because most of these dogs just can't wait that long...
__________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 | |
06-08-2009, 03:05 PM | #7 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 664
| I can't give you any information on Dr. Center. I know that there are grants, etc. that make the surgery much more affordable at UT. In fact, it was less for me to fly there, stay in a hotel for four nights, have the scintigraphy, have Lola spayed, have her baby teeth removed and have her shunt repaired than it was for me to only have the shunt repaired in Houston! As soon as I found out Lola had a shunt I had her in to see Dr. Tobias the following week. Lola had no neurological signs of a shunt - she was just very small and a very picky eater. She was becoming more lethargic, but I just thought it was because she was past the "puppy stage"...well, she has found her puppy stage again! You will be amazed at the difference - even her little coat looks different. We just had Lola's bile acids retested two weeks ago and they were still a little high - 1/2 of what they were - but we will keep her on the diet and retest in 3 more months. There is a chance that she also has MVD, but even so, if that is the case, she will just stay on a low protein diet from now on. She is so much healthier and happier, I am almost afraid to change it! |
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