Lolasmom1211 | 04-24-2014 06:51 PM | Quote:
Originally Posted by windsantz
(Post 4425903)
Not good news. Looks like she has a Liver Shunt. | First of all, let me start out by saying what a lucky girl your baby is that you were so proactive in getting the tests done so quickly to find out what was wrong with her. Although "liver shunt" sounds so terrible when you first hear the term and read about it on the internet, I'm one of those that has personally gone through the illness, diagnosis and surgery, and can tell you its very manageable and my little one is doing GREAT 5 years post surgery!
My Lola was not diagnosed until she was 11 months old. She had never had seizures...only poor appetite, small stature and slow hair growth. She was very quiet. I knew something was off with her, but my first vet wouldn't listen. As soon as they finally tested her and she was diagnosed, I did a lot of research. I knew there were 2-3 places to take Lola for the surgery. I choose University of TN because Dr. Karen Tobias was available to do the surgery when I was able to get Lola there. There was also a grant available that made the cost comparable to Texas A&M and Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. I took her in on a Thursday morning, I believe, and they did the scintigraphy to confirm the shunt, repaired the shunt the next day, kept her overnight and I picked her up on Saturday morning and flew home on Sunday with her. The stitches dissolved on their own, and she has not had a liver related problem since. She turned 6 in January and is doing as well as my other 2 Yorkies at this point. Liver shunt is not a death sentence. They can live very, very normal lives post liver shunt diagnosis.
I'm so happy that you've found out what the problem is with your little one. You'll find so much help on this board. I hope your vet has started her on Royal Canin prescription food and lactulose - if not, please talk to your vet about this until you figure out what your game plan will be. Good luck - we're all here for you! |