University of Tennessee Veterinary Hosptial???
 

Has anyone taken their dog to this hospital? Has anyone had liver shunt surgery there? I joined a liver shunt support group and they are saying that this is the best hospital to have surgery in. Would love any feedback from anyone who knows.

We have several members on a Maltese forum I belong to who have taken their furbabies there. Each and every one has been very pleased with how thorough they are are.

Here's a picture of one of my bow customers, Karli, wearing the UT bow I made her to wear to her visits. Her mom was very happy with the vets there.

That is the hospital that all our vets around here send people to so they evidently are pretty good at what they do.

Emmy was diagnosed with dry eye when she was just a puppy. I changed from my regular vet to a vet that was highly recommended. She explained what they could do for her at their office. She did say that we might want to persue taking her to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital. She highly recommended them especially if surgery was needed. We are still at the vet level and trying to improve the dry eye. I was a little discouraged when I asked about other dogs with the same problem. She said she had other dogs with dry eye but Emmy's was by far the worst. My concern was that she not lose her sight. For awhile we were spending about $500 a month for vet visits, tests, and medicine...just for Emmy. The vet wanted to write the breeder but it would do no good. Emmy's mom and dad are still being bred and continue to produce baby after baby. It is so sad. Both of them have about 2 more years to be in the breeder program. From what I have heard about them I would not hesitate to take one of my babies there. I feel like when it comes to their health only the best is good enough. I have only heard good things about the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital. I would say go for it!

They are the best.....I had my baby Tucker there for the surgery, I love that place, Tucker had to many other complications with the liver shunt and didn't make it after a few months, but it wasn't there fault, they are really great:) Good luck with yours

Dr. Karen Tobias is a leader in her field. She's one of the top liver shunt surgeons in the nation, in my opinion. They have an incredibly high success rate with the ameroid constrictor even on very tiny dogs.

Oh I am just so delighted with the encouraging experiences others have had at Univ of Tennessee Hospital! It's so reassuring for Ronda knowing how highly everyone thinks of their expertise and the skills of the Liver Shunt surgeon.
I am so sure that next month this time, little Teddi will be a happy, healthy li'l girl enjoying Christmas with her Mama. Ronda, you just have to know how much I care about the two of you, how much I am rooting for Teddi.
Big hugs,
Lauren:D

Ronda,
I found a website, actually a copy of a PDF, relating the story of Maya, a dog that was critically ill with Liver Shunt, was taken to his hospital and successfully operated on. The Mom talks a lot about the Doctors and her very positive experience there. I think you would find it most reassuring to read:
www.yorkieangelpatrol.com/maya.pdf

If the link does not work, I have the PDF on my computer.
Lauren

Oops! wanted to add this page that mentions Dr Karen Tobias from U of T Vet Hospital:
http://www.yorkieangelpatrol.com/livershunt.htm

Rhonda,

Sounds like you are making the best decision for Teddi. I'm so proud of you and I'm so honored to be your friend.

Wishing ONLY the best for Teddi and you.

HUGS Sweetie!

I don't know about that particular college, but I believe there great, because they are up with the latest techniques in care.

I took my yorkie Diesel to UT back in July after his bile acid test came back out of the normal range. Diesel did not have a shunt but was diagnosed with MVD. I was thrilled with UT and was very confident in the diagnosis and diet recomendations that they provided me. My other yorkie has a collapsed trachea and I plan on making the trip back to UT for his treatment next year. They are the best.