Lexie update
 

We have been dealing with a liver shunt on our 4 year old Yorkie for about 18 months; we had many liver enzyme tests run (high numbers, so began on diet and meds); and then finally ran her BATs - first test extremely high numbers. She also had a liver biopsy which stated a liver shunt was present. Made a couple changes to diet and meds, ran BATs again in May and numbers came back pre - 152 and post 271. She actually has been very "healthy" acting and gained weight. However, we know since her numbers were so high, that the shunt needed to be fixed; plus I wanted to do it while she is in relatively good health. We are close to the University of MO Veterinary School in Columbia, MO; our vet scheduled us an appt - they ran an ultrasound one afternoon and called to say they actually saw the shunt and I was so excited to hear that because I know sometimes these are hard to see and know there was a possibility they would have to do a portogram which is where they open them up and have to run the test to locate the shunt. This turned out to be an extrahepatic shunt, which was again great news for us - it means it is fixable.

The next day they did her surgery and used a cellophane banding which slowly constricts the shunt. I know that many people on here know about the Univ of Tenn and their wonderful doctor that invented the ameroid constricter - I asked our surgeron about this and he said he just preferred to use the cellophan banding. Anyway, she came through with flying colors - except for her horrible looking belly with 18 staples to close her and feeling very uncomfortable, but after 3 days in the hospital she was able to come home with us. He said to expect the same BAT numbers in 6 weeks, a bit lower numbers in 3 months and hopefully "normal" numbers in 6 months - that's how long it takes for this constrictor to close.

I'm giving this update for a few reasons: One, in case anyone is closer to MO than to Tenn - the Vet school and hospital in Columbia is excellent; two a lot of people don't expect some Yorkies to have extra-hepatic shunts, which are the easter ones to fix; and three to let people know that Lexie has had her surgery and is doing well (although somewhat uncomfortable with these staples for a week or so).

If anyone has any question, please feel free to either write me on this forum or PM me. Thanks to everyone on here for their support and please know that if I didn't get the encouragement from people on this forum to go forward, I don't think I would have had the strength to myself and also for the wonderful information I obtained on here to be able to speak to the vet in a knowledageble manner.

I am so happy Lexie had the surgery and is on her way to a full recovery. That is good to know about the University of MO.

Thank God she is doing so well. It must be very stressful to go thru that whole ordeal. We get all upset when they are just being neutered! Prayers for continued healing.

Thank you. This forum is such a great place for information and support!

Thanks, also. I pray she does continue to do as well as she is - the hardest problem right now is giving her her after surgery meds (which thankfully are in a liquid form) and trying not to have her spit them back out at me :D

so glad she is doing well

I'm so happy that Lexie is doing well. Sammy sends get well hugs!!

Nice to hear the good news that Lexie is doing so well. I hope she recovers quickly and that her BATs improve sooner than anticipated. I am sure this has been tough on you as well, and hope the worse is over and that you can relax and just enjoy your baby and her good health.

Thanks for the update. Hugs for you and Lexie

Continued prayers are with you that Lexie will be feeling better soon and for her mommy that loves her and gives her the best care.

Thank you all for your best wishes. We're one week out from the surgery and she continues to improve. She just looks like she has a zipper on h er belly about 9" long (she's a relatively "long" Yorkie and weighs 9 #), but it still covers her whole tummy. She just eats, potties and sits in her chair (with the ceiling fan running) and waits for me to pass to scratch her neck. We're very lucky. :)

Glad to hear that Lexie is doing well!

Thanks to you - a lot of your information and thoughts helped me make up my mind to get this surgery done and not to wait too long.

Thank you so very much for your update!!! This is what YT is all about...learning and sharing and you have shared some very valuable information!

I am so happy to hear that Lexie is doing well! :)

I'm happy that Lexie's surgery went so well and that she is recuperating nicely. Your thread is an excellent resource. Keep the updates coming. :)