|
Welcome to the YorkieTalk.com Forums Community - the community for Yorkshire Terriers. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. You will be able to chat with over 35,000 YorkieTalk members, read over 2,000,000 posted discussions, and view more than 15,000 Yorkie photos in the YorkieTalk Photo Gallery after you register. We would love to have you as a member! Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please click here to contact us. |
|
| LinkBack | Thread Tools |
11-08-2011, 10:46 AM | #1 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ashland
Posts: 64
| Possible Liver Shunt- Prayers Needed! HI all, My 6 year old Yorkie, Gigi, may have a liver shunt. It all began when I took her in for frequent urination. The vet saw bilirubin crystals in her urine which she felt could indicate possible liver problems. All of Gigi's blood work was normal; however, the BAT noted an abnormal post food score of 132 where normal is <20. My vet has referred me to VRCC (Veterinary Referral Critical Care) in Richmond, VA for an abdominal ultrasound. I have an appointment tomorrow with a Dr. Lori Rios. Thanks for listening. I am really worried. I'm in the process of reading all of the posts with liver shunt and bile acid tests references. It looks like if there is a liver shunt, Dr Tobias and TN may be the best way to go. Anyone have any recent experiences with Dr. Tobias and/or liver shunt surgery? Please keep Gigi and I in your prayers! Erica aka Sugarpig
__________________ Erica, Gigi & Cocoa |
Welcome Guest! | |
11-08-2011, 11:10 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York
Posts: 3,896
| Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and Gigi. |
11-08-2011, 11:51 AM | #3 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: At Home
Posts: 8,386
| Quote:
VRCC is great place. When we were stationed in Virginia, I had to go there with my late Audrey who had CHF and then my late Annie for her Liver problems. Annie didn't have a shunt but she had MVD, that was controled with diet and med's.
__________________ [SIZE="3"VICKI & ALLIE[/SIZE] | |
11-08-2011, 12:37 PM | #4 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 799
| Sending prayers and hugs to you and Gigi, that she will be okay.
__________________ Hi from Oklahoma City from me and the girls: Holly, Lacey & Tinker Belle |
11-08-2011, 01:12 PM | #5 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ashland
Posts: 64
| Thanks for your prayers. @TxVicki- thanks for commenting on your experience with VRCC. I've been doing research on them. They seem to have a very good reputation for their level of care.
__________________ Erica, Gigi & Cocoa |
11-08-2011, 01:42 PM | #6 |
Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 27,451
| I will keep Gigi in my thoughts and prayers. Awesome that TXVicki has experience with the facility in VA...one of the nice things about the internet!..and YT of course!
__________________ |
11-08-2011, 02:05 PM | #7 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama
Posts: 17,674
| Erica, I will definately keep you and Gigi in my thoughts and prayers. Please be sure to keep us posted about Gigi - we really do care and worried about our extended family. |
11-08-2011, 02:40 PM | #8 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Michigan USA & Sheffield UK
Posts: 4,119
| I'm so sorry to hear that Gigi is having difficulties. Is it unusal to develop liver shunt later in life? I always assume that other than old-age related issues, other problems showed themselves earlier. ZoE's almost a year old and I keep thinking...so far for good...we make it to two with no problems and we're in the clear. Maybe I'm wrong...
__________________ Karan & ZoE (Chelsea ) |
11-08-2011, 03:30 PM | #9 | |
Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 27,451
| Quote:
There is a lot of information on the web if you google acquired shunt. Here is one link: Merck Veterinary Manual
__________________ | |
11-08-2011, 03:44 PM | #10 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: VA
Posts: 8,040
| Sending prayers for sweet GiGi. Hugs))) to you both.
__________________ Tena & Zhoie Sweet Little Miracle |
11-08-2011, 09:51 PM | #11 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Macomb, MI
Posts: 2,112
| Sending prayers and good thoughts for Gigi and you.
__________________ Dee and Lil' Louie RIP Lil' Brody boy 6.7.99 - 1.3.10 |
11-09-2011, 06:06 PM | #12 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: At Home
Posts: 8,386
| Any update on Gigi? I hope all went well with her appointment today. I went and got Annie's box to see what Dr. saw her when she went and It was Dr. Davies, however I don't think Dr. Davies is there any more.
__________________ [SIZE="3"VICKI & ALLIE[/SIZE] |
11-09-2011, 06:18 PM | #13 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ashland
Posts: 64
| Possible Liver Shunt- Update It's been an incredibly long day. I just got back from visiting the internal medicine vet. It looks as if Gigi has an extrahepatic shunt. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. I knew there was chance that this was a possibility given the BAT results but still not what I wanted to hear. Normal bloodwork but BAT is 136. The vet conducted Protein C level and fasting ammonia testing. Gigi's ammonia was elevated at 206umol/L (normal range 0-98). Results of Protein C should be in next week. Ultrasound revealed an abnormal blood vessel which points to a suspected portosystemic shunt. Currently, Gigi's treatment is as follows: Oral lactulose Metronidazone (to decrease bacterial ammonia production) Low protein diet- Hill's prescription L/D) Denamarin and ursodiol (Antioxidant drugs for the liver) We discussed medical management versus surgery. The Vet advised surgical correction is widely successful in puppies. Gigi just turned 6 in August. She said in an older dog, the risk of post operative seizures and DEATH is significantly higher. I can't imagine being without her. I'm waiting on the Protein C results to see if this can further confirm a liver shunt. I've also asked the vet to reach out to Dr. Tobias. At this point, I want to make an informed decision as to what would be the best course of treatment for Gigi. Has anyone's furbaby had this surgery who is around Gigi's age? Please continue to pray! Erica
__________________ Erica, Gigi & Cocoa |
11-09-2011, 07:08 PM | #14 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Post Falls, Idaho
Posts: 80
| Sending good wishes and support So sorry you are dealing with Liver Shunt. My little one Gabby had her shunt repaired on the 26th and is recovering. Medical management is a good start and will help your baby feel better. Lots of good information on the web as mentioned before. The newer procedures shut down the shunt slowly so the liver has an easier time adjusting. Check out support groups they can help you with information. I will be praying and thinking of you...lots of us have dealt with this and it is a problem in other breeds too. Good Luck!!! |
11-09-2011, 07:12 PM | #15 |
Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 27,451
| Erica, I will keep you and your precious Gigi in my thoughts and prayers.
__________________ |
Bookmarks |
|
|
| |
|
|
SHOP NOW: Amazon :: eBay :: Buy.com :: Newegg :: PetStore :: Petco :: PetSmart