Need insight: Sprite dx with hydrocephalus

[lynzy420]

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 just want you to know I've been agonizing with you over this situation, I know how difficult it is. One thing I'm going to say to you is that each time I've been faced with a situation where a decision has to be made I go for it, I go to the bank I borrow money I do what I have to do because like you, I love my pups that much, they are my family and I wouldn't give up on them anymore than I would my children, but when it is time to give them up, its after I've done everything I could for them (despite the cost associated)....I can honestly say that sometimes I sit here wondering if I've made all the right decisions but never once did I think "I've spent too much money" etc....I'd do it again and again and again....you love your baby, do what you have to do you will know when its enough...God bless you and your family...

[gemy]

kmarla:

I picked up this brochure the other week when I was seeing my specialist.

Veterinary Financing. Payments to suit your budget. www.petcard.ca

You may want to check this out. Also have you considered a line of credit? If you have a good credit rating, you could get prime +1-2% above prime for the most qualified borrowers.

Also I do urge you to consider Boston and price out the surgery there (if they have the parts), I do know this is a heck of a lot of investigation when your heart and your mind aches for the well being of Piper.

You can often get surgery much less expensive in the US and right now our dollar to US is not such a bad exchange rate. And motel and food and gas is much cheaper in the US than in Canada.

I do know the pain of a sick puppy/adult. The extreme medical decisions and the costs associated with them is such an individual decision. You will make the right decision for your Piper and your family.

My heart and very best wishes goes out to you and Piper.

[107barney]

I reached out to Dr. Sisson at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. He emailed me said he was sorry he could not help with this. I was very surprised to learn that he does not do the ventriculoperitonneal shunt placement surgery but the reason is because so few dogs need it. He said that most dogs do very well on omeprazole and anticonvulsant therapy alone, but that there are exceptions where the surgery is needed as in this case. He went on to say that it is very expensive and most owners cannot afford it when they can he refers to Dr. Scott Plummer at the Veterinary Neurology Center Phoenix, Arizona who does these very well. But, he hasn't had a dog need to there in many years, so did not have their current pricing, but he suspects the cost is very high due to the cost of shunts these days.

On his info, the cost in the US far exceeds the cost in Canada for this so it seems traveling here isn't the best option.

[kmarla]

Just a quick little post to thank all of you for your continuing support, and a special thanks to 107barney who has gone above and beyond privately to get us information about U.S. Options and offer support. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what the way forward will be for Sprite, whether surgically or palliatively. We will make the best decision we can for our little Sprite!

[margaritaville]

Praying for little Sprite. I hope for the very best.

[kmarla]

Just a quick little post to thank all of you for your continuing support, and a special thanks to 107barney who has gone above and beyond privately to get us information about U.S. Options and offer support. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what the way forward will be for Sprite, whether surgically or palliatively. We will make the best decision we can for our little Sprite!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by kmarla

Just a quick little post to thank all of you for your continuing support, and a special thanks to 107barney who has gone above and beyond privately to get us information about U.S. Options and offer support. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what the way forward will be for Sprite, whether surgically or palliatively. We will make the best decision we can for our little Sprite!

Cathy is awesome! So glad that she has been able to assist you with this. I know that whatever decision you make, it will be with Sprite's best interests in mind.
She and you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by kmarla

Just a quick little post to thank all of you for your continuing support, and a special thanks to 107barney who has gone above and beyond privately to get us information about U.S. Options and offer support. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what the way forward will be for Sprite, whether surgically or palliatively. We will make the best decision we can for our little Sprite!

So glad that Cathy was able to source some information for you.

You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by kmarla

Just a quick little post to thank all of you for your continuing support, and a special thanks to 107barney who has gone above and beyond privately to get us information about U.S. Options and offer support. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what the way forward will be for Sprite, whether surgically or palliatively. We will make the best decision we can for our little Sprite!

Great that 107barney proved, once again, to be a valuable source of information, I know Cathy and many members have helped me through many trials and tribulations too.


Just want you to know, whatever you decide we will be here for you. I know that you will do what is best for your precious Sprite.

[107barney]

The fact that Sprite has stopped having seizures seems like a good thing. As long as she isn't suffering, then perhaps she can go for a while should you choose to not have the surgery. I keep thinking back to what our vet said about the many dogs over his 30 years that he has managed w/ meds....saying most do very well......and while some do need surgery, it may be enough to find the right mix of medications. I should have asked him if he ever medically managed a dog with a ventricle 3x the size of the other. I still hope somehow the final number for the surgery comes in lower when you hear back tomorrow. You could always get a second opinion on medical management if you opt for that rather than surgery, but that's not money to spend unless and until you have decided not to do the surgery. As for thanking me, you do not need to do that at all, I wish I could help more.

[lynzy420]

Praying with all I have for Sprite.

[msyorktown]

I am just now reading this thread, I am so sorry you are going through this.
All I can offer is my prayers for you and Sprite....Blessings to you all.

[Ellie May]

It turns out that both neurologists here do shunt placement. I have a quote from Dr. Isaacs which is being passed onto the OP. Without posting prices here I will say it is very, very reasonable.

[lynzy420]

Bumping for update.

[107barney]

We are sourcing the shunt parts....and another option for Sprite....Kmarla has been bombarded with info that she can give to her vet. Maybe he can get the part from one of our hospitals sources. If not then MI is an option. Thank you Lynzy for taking time to help and contacting Cornell!