Liver Shunt
 

Well we just learned that our baby Colt, that is 10 months old has liver shunts. We take him to see a surgeon on Friday in Akron Ohio, about an hour away from where we live. We are so worried about him, he just had a couple day stay in the vet hospital, because he was so sick. Couldn't keep anything down and he as dehydrated. At this point I really don't care too much about the cost of the surgery, I just want him to make it thru it and to get better..

So sorry to hear that but know I am going through the same thing. Please keep us posted on how he is doing. I suspect they put him on meds and changed his diet and if so, he will be feeling a lot better while he awaits surgery.

I am so sorry sending prayers and best wishes.

Prayers and best wishes for these two pups!
Keep posted on the progress, surgery etc.
It is so hard when out little ones are ill!

So sorry to hear Colt has LS, but happy you are able to have it repaired. It can be costly, but certainly worth it to save your lil guy. Sending prayers that it all goes well.

Sorry also for Sophie too, and hope for a successful treatment for both.

My Tiki has MVD, so I know a little about what a worry you have now.

Just for curiosity; has it been confirmed he has liver shunt(s) or suspected?

Very sorry to hear about your puppy. My 2 yr old was diagnosed with LS in June, so I feel your pain. It progressed to hepatic encephalopathy before we confirmed the diagnosis. We opted not to do surgery and treat medically. So far he's doing Ok.

Sending thoughts and prayers to you.

My I ask how the LS was confirmed? I have been told that not all LS can be confirmed via ultrasound and most the time surgery (biopsy) is needed to confirm and while they are doing the biopsy, they go ahead and repair shunt if present.

How is the LS being medically managed? Type of meds, food, etc.? Did your Dr. give you prognosis w/o surgery?

I know every case is different but just trying to find out more information. Thank you.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. You & colt are both in my prayers!

We did blood panel and bile acid test and by then Maxwell had all the signs of encephalopathy. There's an excellent you tube video by Terry Wright that describes the condition with her dog Ginger. It's very hard to watch but it helped me understand why his behavior was so erratic. He was always a finicky eater but I never thought anything of it.

Max was prescribed Hills k/d and a multivitamin. We opted not to have surgery at this time because I'm also dealing with other genetic issues.

I am so sorry to hear that. Please keep us informed on how he does. I have found a lot of support on this board and I am sure you will too.

My Lola was diagnosed with a liver shunt when she was 11 months old. I was scared to death. I immediately started researching all of my options and had the surgery done a month later. Lola is now a little over 6 and is doing great! Don't despair, it's very treatable and sounds like you are right on top of it. Make sure you are going to a reputable surgeon and ask lots of questions. Sending prayers your way!

Just an update on Colt. He did have liver shunt surgery yesterday, he was in the first stages of liver failure, we just picked him up tonight. The poor little guy just looks like he was put threw the ringer.. I really didn't think that he would look as bad as he does. It is along healing process about 8 weeks, but for now he is doing fine. His shunt was large it went to his diaphragm. It is my understanding that they cant really tell 100% unless the do an exploratory surgery. Colt was so sick that we didn't have any other choice, but to do the surgery. We just hope and pray that he does get better.

Prayers for Colt...wishing him a speedy recovery.

I will also pray for Colt to get better. It is heartbreaking to see our babies sick, and I'm very sorry you are going through this. It looks like Colt found a wonderful home.

I know just how you feel. I had no idea that Lola would look so bad. The scar looked so big going across her little belly. They had a "cone" on her little neck and that just made things look worse. The first thing I did was put her in a "onesie" to protect the incision and take the cone off. It made her much more comfortable. I had to buy the preemie baby onesies from Toys R Us and cut a hole for her tail, but she could rest much better in that. I also used a soft blanket whenever I had to pick her up to help pad her so I wouldn't accidentally hurt her. I also made sure that I gave her the pain meds whether I thought she acted like she needed them or not. These pups are very good at masking their pain. I kept her on the pain meds for the first 5 days - round the clock. She was very clingy and scared the first few days after surgery, but then it seemed like she bounced back after about day 4. I never left her up on a sofa or bed unattended because they said climbing could cause the shunt repair to come undone...so I was so careful about her climbing or running for a few weeks. Lola is now 6 years old and you would never know that anything had ever been wrong with her. No scar, no special meds - she's really doing great. Keep us posted on Colt - we're all sending prayers!

Best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery for Colt. It is so hard to see them after surgery it makes the seem even tinier and more vulnerable. We have a member Mom to Hot Rod who makes soft collars and delivers fast. I got one from her for Buster's LP surgery.
The Kiss-E Collar .

Thank you all very much for all the prayers and well wishes. and to Lolas mom thanks so much for the onesies idea. As soon as I read that I had to run to Walmart to pick some up. I hated that cone on him probably just as much as he hated it. He seems to be doing a little better today. At least he ate today. All the advise has been wonderful. It is so nice to have such a under standing support group.. Blessings..

So glad to hear he's feeling better. I'm hoping each day he'll show improvement - I know it's hard, but it will be worth it!

Oh, I hope Colt makes a great recovery and enjoys a long healthy life. It is a lot to go through, but I'm so glad you caught it and had the surgery so he now has a chance.

Liver shunts
 

Why is this so prevalent? I have had 6 yorkies in my life and never heard of this. Nor have I ever met someone who has felt with it. Can you get a healthy yorkie now-a-days?

colt liver surgery
 

Just wanted to let you all know that Colt is doing great! He just went for a liver check up last week and his liver is functioning normal. He is allowed to go back to regular food. The problem is he has been on the Hills Prescription Diet, that when I give him a little bit of regular food he gets diarrhea so I'm not too sure what to feed him. At least he is healthy now! He just turned a year old and the poor thing has been sick all this life. So we are looking forward to a long life with a healthy dog!

What an adorable picture of Colt the birthday boy. He looks very excited with his cake. I am glad he is doing so well and hope he continues to do so well and that you have many wonderful loving years together.
:Birthday3:bigbdaypaHAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY COLT !:bigbdaypa:birthday2

Happy Birthday to Colt. What a lil cutie he is.

Happy Birthday To little Colt!:bigbdaypa:bigbdaypa:bigbdaypa. So glad to read he is recovering well from his surgery!