Need insight: Sprite dx with hydrocephalus

[kmarla]

So I popped in to see our regular vet and vet techs this afternoon for extra guidance and support. It's strange that we were all set for tomorrow's surgery, but now that it's delayed I'm starting to question myself again. I feel much better now after talking to them and I'm looking forward to seeing the neurologist tomorrow to get this rescheduled. My biggest worry is that these ongoing seizures are causing more brain damage that might not be reversible and how will that effect her quality of life. My vet also explained the border issue. Because this shunt is a surgical piece of equipment(intended for humans), there can be problems shipping if the recipient isn't licensed to practise in the originating State/country. In other words it creates lots of red tape. Thanks again everyone and I will update after our appt tomorrow.

[Buster Brown]

Sending prayers and best wishes for your appointment tomorrow.

[Ellie May]

107barney and I were talking and had an idea.

It sounds like getting this part could take awhile. Does this neurologist not do this often?

You could get the surgery done faster if you brought Sprite to the US.

Some thoughts:

Fly into Boston (if flying is not countraindicated) and have surgery done at Angell Animal Medical Center by Dr. Sisson, 107barney's dogs' neurologist. He is very highly respected.

Drive to Michigan (9 hours) and have surgery done at Dogwood Neurology by Dr. Isaacs or Dr. Galle, my dog's neurologists. Would need to make sure they do this surgery, but am quite sure they do.

Please let us know if you are interested.

[kmarla]

We just got back from our appt with the neurologist and I feel reassured after talking to him again that we are making the right decision in having the surgery. He feels Sprite is the ideal candidate and should show significant improvement if all goes well. We went over all the risks involved, as well as the procedure itself and what that entails. These parts we need (the shunt) vary greatly in price and he's trying to source it for us at a reasonable price. The same piece can differ by thousands of dollars depending who's supplying it, so it's worth being patient for a few more days. He has already contacted the CDN Univ. Veterinary schools but they either don't do this very specialized procedure or don't have the shunts available. He expects to be able to do the surgery next week or early the following week at the very latest. In the meantime Sprite will start taking phenobarbital in addition to Kepra for the seizures. And wouldn't you know it, right after our appt while I was at the counter paying she had another seizure. I didn't realize right away until other people in the waiting room said "poor little thing" and then I looked down and there she was. It's hard to see! Thank you for the suggestion about travelling to the U.S. For the procedure. We have considered it but it's not very practical right now for us for family reasons so would be a last resort. Yes, our neurologist, who just recently relocated here from Europe, has done this procedure several times before. Thank goodness he is here because otherwise we would have no choice but to travel pretty far. Sorry for the super long post but I don't want to forget to answer anyone. As always thank you all for your support and well wishes!!

[ladyjane]

I am happy to hear that the appt with the neurologist went well and that you have been reassured.
Keeping you and Sprite in my thoughts and prayers.

[kmarla]

Oops, just to clarify our neurologist is new here and so is the neurology dept so while he has done the procedure in Europe I think we're the first to have it done locally. When my cocker spaniel needed spinal surgery a few years ago we had to travel hours to see a neurologist, so having a specialist in town is wonderful!

[gemy]

Boston Mass is a very doable drive from Ottawa. Just a thought if the specialty hospital in Boston Mass has the shunt required, maybe you could drive in to pick it up?

And I too offer my well wishes for a great surgery.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by gemy

Boston Mass is a very doable drive from Ottawa. Just a thought if the specialty hospital in Boston Mass has the shunt required, maybe you could drive in to pick it up?

And I too offer my well wishes for a great surgery.

She can't cross the border with it without a license to practice vet med from the issuing place.

[107barney]

Any updates on Sprite?

[kmarla]

I got a call from the hospital this morning letting me know that the neurologist will be calling me this evening or tomorrow regarding the timing for the surgery. Sprite hasn't had another seizure since last Thursday so that is good news. I think adding the phenobarbital has helped. It seems her body had adjusted to the Kepra so it wasn't as effective anymore. I did offer to cross the border to get the part if that would help. The shunt is manufactured for human use and that's why it is complicated and creates lots of red tape. The neurologist told me there is an organization that helps in these cases and they're already at work for us.....I can't remember their name. I promise to update as soon as I hear from the neurologist! Thanks again for your support!

[107barney]

Great news!

[kmarla]

I was able to meet with the neurologist yesterday after I picked up Sprites medications. They have now sourced several parts, so that part of the challenge is solved. Right now the most reasonably priced shunt is in Germany. The cost is significantly more than the hospital anticipated and so that adds another stress for us. The hospital will do the surgery at cost and we're very grateful, but it still is a huge number for us to absorb. My husband and I are doing some soul searching this weekend to see if this is even a viable choice now. The hospital is still working hard to get the cost of the part down and will let us know the final cost Tuesday. I have to say this is a very difficult situation to be in, but I realize we're hardly the first. We thought we had made our decision to have the surgery and now we're having to rethink everything. Please keep Sprite in you thoughts and know that we will continue to do everything possible to help her. I will update in the next few days.

[ladyjane]

Prayers for Sprite and for you as you make this difficult decision....

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kmarla

I was able to meet with the neurologist yesterday after I picked up Sprites medications. They have now sourced several parts, so that part of the challenge is solved. Right now the most reasonably priced shunt is in Germany. The cost is significantly more than the hospital anticipated and so that adds another stress for us. The hospital will do the surgery at cost and we're very grateful, but it still is a huge number for us to absorb. My husband and I are doing some soul searching this weekend to see if this is even a viable choice now. The hospital is still working hard to get the cost of the part down and will let us know the final cost Tuesday. I have to say this is a very difficult situation to be in, but I realize we're hardly the first. We thought we had made our decision to have the surgery and now we're having to rethink everything. Please keep Sprite in you thoughts and know that we will continue to do everything possible to help her. I will update in the next few days.

I'm sorry. I understand how hard this must be. Is it too late to consider the states? Would that change the costs? It's ok to go the other way too. You could keep her comfy until... Just love her and be there. You've already done so much.

[megansmomma]

My heart is just breaking for you. I will keep you and precious Sprite in my thoughts over the next few days. Whatever decisions that you are making I can tell they are for her wellbeing and that you love your baby girl very much <3