Liver Shunt Post-Op Care

[slevy1027]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the site. I was trying to find some tips on post-op care for my Yorkie, Callie, who came home from the hospital today after her liver shunt surgery. She's 10 months old, and before her first seizure (about 10 days before the operation) she was relatively high energy. We're supposed to keep her confined for two weeks, and on her Lactulose and L/D Renal Health diet food for up to three months, depending on how she does. Anyone know of anything else we can do for her?

[Lolasmom1211]

Originally Posted by slevy1027

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the site. I was trying to find some tips on post-op care for my Yorkie, Callie, who came home from the hospital today after her liver shunt surgery. She's 10 months old, and before her first seizure (about 10 days before the operation) she was relatively high energy. We're supposed to keep her confined for two weeks, and on her Lactulose and L/D Renal Health diet food for up to three months, depending on how she does. Anyone know of anything else we can do for her?

I rarely sign on to Yorkie Talk anymore because I seem to be babysitting my grandkids most of the time! I'm sorry that you have not had any responses to your post - I've just seen it this morning! My Lola had liver shunt surgery about 5 years ago and is doing great today. When she came home from the hospital the cone was so heavy for her little neck that I put human baby "onesies" on her to keep her away from her stitches. I cut a hole in the back for her tail and it worked perfect. The stitches dissolved on their own after a couple of weeks. The first few days she seemed to be uncomfortable, not a great deal of pain, but uncomfortable. I had to keep her on a leash when outside so she would not run and she was not allowed to go up and down stairs. Lola has never jumped, so that was not a problem, but I was told absolutely no jumping. She also was not allowed to play rough with her Yorkie brother. Lola had the "ring" put on her shunt and I was told that the first couple of weeks were crucial in keeping her calm to make sure that it did not slip. After abut 3 months, we had her bile acid's retested and they were still a little high, so she was diagnosed with MVD. Lola has done great in spite of this. We don't give her any high protein food - in fact, she eats what my other yorkies eat, a hypo allergenic prescription food, and she is doing super! I think it's wonderful that you had the surgery done on your little one. It saved Lola's life as I'm sure it also saved your little one. Please let me know if you have any other questions. It's been a while since our surgery and I'm sure I've forgotten to add something. Good luck to you and give Callie a big Yorkie hug from all of us!