Liver Shunt Surgery -- Would like input/feedback Hi Everyone, It's been awhile since I've posted on YT as it's been super crazy busy these last few years. In any case, to make a long story short, I received a call today that most likely my lil Titus may likely have liver shunt following his bile acid test and bloodwork they've done :(. The doctor mentioned to confirm that he has liver shunt, additional testing is required(i.e., ultrasound or CT scan). Since the first ultrasound done was inconclusive and reading past post from others, it looks like I should request for a scintigraphy to be done first. Also based on previous post it looks like Dr. Karen Tobias at U of Tenn is the expert on liver shunt surgery. Therefore, I would appreciate if anyone can advise or provide feedback on the following: - Should I have further work-up done near my local vet hospital first [Note: I am based in NJ], before seeing Dr. Tobias? What other test(s) is needed? - Has anyone taken their furbaby to Dr. Tobias recently to have the liver shunt surgery performed (what is the expected cost if you don't mind sharing). - If you have any tips or advice, I would really appreciate it. - If any of your furbaby had their liver shunt surgery performed in NJ or around the area, please feel free to recommend doctor (and if you can share cost it would be super helpful) I do understand that cost would vary depending on the diagnosis and surgery required....I'm just looking for ballpark figure as I need to manage household budget. Thanks all! Evelyn |
I don’t have any direct experience with liver shunt, but if you use the site’s “search” function you will find several long threads about it. I don’t think any of them mention cost, but cost does probably change over time anyway, so someone else’s bill even a year or two ago wouldn’t likely tell you much. Here’s a highly recommended pamphlet on the subject: https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/view...t=utk_smalpubs |
Quote:
I have used the search features on liver shunt and I guess what I was looking for was more recent updates and whether all test had to be done locally (e.g., scintigraphy) before taking Titus to see Dr. Tobias at U of T. Due to the pandemic the earliest I can get an appt with the Internist at Oradell Animal Hospital is in October. Therefore, I was wondering if I can get all the additional testing done at U of T and if surgery is indeed needed, have the surgery scheduled within a few days. I live in NJ and will need to fly out to Tennessee, and will need to figure out the logistics. Therefore, looking for input from someone who has gone through this before. |
Quote:
I have personal experience with liver shunt repair and our rescue has done many....none of them were done at UT. Honestly, I am not sure Dr. Tobias would be the one doing the surgery at UT. |
I took my yorkie there 12 years ago. I live in Maryland so it was quite a drive. They were the absolute best and at the time were doing about 13 a week so they were extremely knowledgeable. I didn't get Dr. Tobias because she had had a death in the family. Back then it was around 1800. This was for all the testing (don't even bother with doing testing here), teeth pulled and neutured also. I remember my vet here telling me it would have been a huge amount more if I had it done here. |
Thanks Ladyjane and Ging4444 for your feedback! :) So I've decided to go with Dr. Tobias team at U of T because I was able to get an earlier appointment with them (Sep 16) vs. mid-Oct if I decide to stay in NJ. That was one of the reason, but also it appears that they seem to be more on top of it and more efficient. For example with the initial consult on Sep 16 they will also run additional test as needed that same day and if surgery is required they have it scheduled the following day. Whereas, if stay in NJ, I would first need to see a internist then have additional testing scheduled and eventually referred to a soft tissue surgeon. Which means by the time my little guy has his surgery it may be all the way out in December. In any case, I'll be taking the long drive out to Tennessee....and keeping fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly! Thanks again for your advice!! :love: |
Quote:
Please let us know how it goes! |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:54 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use