Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1553125)

I talked to the doctors and they said that people think that the parents should be tested and that it has something to do with that but they said that has never been proven. They said it is something that just happens and they have never been able to trace it back to anything, including the parents. He said that it is a myth that if the parents are tested and are clean that the puppies will not have it....he said a lot of people believe that but that is not the case.

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1553125)

I talked to the doctors and they said that people think that the parents should be tested and that it has something to do with that but they said that has never been proven. They said it is something that just happens and they have never been able to trace it back to anything, including the parents. He said that it is a myth that if the parents are tested and are clean that the puppies will not have it....he said a lot of people believe that but that is not the case.

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1553125)

I talked to the doctors and they said that people think that the parents should be tested and that it has something to do with that but they said that has never been proven. They said it is something that just happens and they have never been able to trace it back to anything, including the parents. He said that it is a myth that if the parents are tested and are clean that the puppies will not have it....he said a lot of people believe that but that is not the case.

Originally Posted by mistyinca (Post 1553594)

That is correct. When Chloe's bile acids tested high (they were still rather low even though they were higher than what is normal), I learned a lot about it. The parents can be carriers and not have the problems themselves. Also, there is a lot of debate over whether it has a lot to do with diet and environment. Who is to say for sure.

We had Chloe tested because she wasn't eating well at all, and that is one of the symtoms. But since she started eating better, and has never shown any other signs, we decided to hold off on any further tests. I will be getting her tested again soon to see if there is a change in her BAT numbers.

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1556201)

Just wanted to update everyone on Teddi. We had the consultation today with the surgeon. She explained everything to me and drew a picture of the insides and explained that normally only about 15% of the blood is not filtered through the liver and in Teddi's case she has 85% that is not filtering. She is scheduled to have her surgery on Monday (12/3/07). I have to bring her to the hospital on Sunday night. She will have to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days. The doctor told me that if I didn't have the surgery she would only live another year. I did contact the breeder I got her from to ask if they have other puppies with this condition and got this back:

Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to hear about Teddi and hope she will feel better soon.
Both of his parents are 100% and we never had this problem in the past so i am puzzled for how she got it.
Please forward all the medical record to us so we can look into it and keep us updated on how Teddi is doing.

I guess it was just a fluke that she got the liver shunt but she is in really good spirits. She was running all over the house last nite and this morning. She was attacking her toys and Cassie.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming for us!!!

xoxo, Ronda

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1556201)

Just wanted to update everyone on Teddi. We had the consultation today with the surgeon. She explained everything to me and drew a picture of the insides and explained that normally only about 15% of the blood is not filtered through the liver and in Teddi's case she has 85% that is not filtering. She is scheduled to have her surgery on Monday (12/3/07). I have to bring her to the hospital on Sunday night. She will have to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days. The doctor told me that if I didn't have the surgery she would only live another year. I did contact the breeder I got her from to ask if they have other puppies with this condition and got this back:

Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to hear about Teddi and hope she will feel better soon.
Both of his parents are 100% and we never had this problem in the past so i am puzzled for how she got it.
Please forward all the medical record to us so we can look into it and keep us updated on how Teddi is doing.

I guess it was just a fluke that she got the liver shunt but she is in really good spirits. She was running all over the house last nite and this morning. She was attacking her toys and Cassie.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming for us!!!

xoxo, Ronda

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1553125)

I talked to the doctors and they said that people think that the parents should be tested and that it has something to do with that but they said that has never been proven. They said it is something that just happens and they have never been able to trace it back to anything, including the parents. He said that it is a myth that if the parents are tested and are clean that the puppies will not have it....he said a lot of people believe that but that is not the case.

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv (Post 1556331)

I'm so sorry to hear that she has a liver shunt, but I'm glad that it is extrahepatic and operable!! Have you joined the liver shunt and mvd group on yahoo groups yet? They have a wealth of information there.

It sounds like the vet was not very clear about this, so I'll try to explain what I know.

It is recommended that all breeders test their breeding pairs for liver shunt and have them bile acid tested so that in case they do have liver shunt or mvd, they are not bred, so that they don't pass this gene on to their offspring.

Let's suppose that the parents have liver shunt or mvd...If they have puppies, it is POSSIBLE that none of the dogs will be affected. The parents should not be bred if they do have liver shunt or mvd because it means they carry the gene for it and even if their pups don't have, the pups' pups will carry the gene and can pass it on too.

Let's suppose that the parents test negative for liver shunt/mvd...This does NOT mean that the puppies will not have liver shunt or mvd...Dogs can carry the gene for many generations without any of their pups, grandpups, etc. being affected...BUT I think all breeding dogs should be tested even if there's no 100% guarantee.

Mostly, extrahepatic liver shunts are congenital, meaning that the pups are born with this...Acquired shunts exist, but these are usually secondary to something. Sometimes dogs who have had liver shunt surgery could acquire another shunt as well.

Are they going to be using an ameroid constrictor? This is usually the method of choice because it closes slowly and is usually safer.

I'll be praying for your little baby!!!!

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1556201)

Just wanted to update everyone on Teddi. We had the consultation today with the surgeon. She explained everything to me and drew a picture of the insides and explained that normally only about 15% of the blood is not filtered through the liver and in Teddi's case she has 85% that is not filtering. She is scheduled to have her surgery on Monday (12/3/07). I have to bring her to the hospital on Sunday night. She will have to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days. The doctor told me that if I didn't have the surgery she would only live another year. I did contact the breeder I got her from to ask if they have other puppies with this condition and got this back:

Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to hear about Teddi and hope she will feel better soon.
Both of his parents are 100% and we never had this problem in the past so i am puzzled for how she got it.
Please forward all the medical record to us so we can look into it and keep us updated on how Teddi is doing.

I guess it was just a fluke that she got the liver shunt but she is in really good spirits. She was running all over the house last nite and this morning. She was attacking her toys and Cassie.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming for us!!!

xoxo, Ronda

Originally Posted by LaviniaHyacynth (Post 1557218)

Hi Everyone, It has been a really long time since i have posted. For those of you that don't know my story.....I have a 3 and a half year old yorkie named Lavinia "Vivi" who was diagnosed before her second birthday with an inoperable liver shunt which resulted in large inoperable kidney stones. My vet sent her medical files to UT to get the opinion of Dr. TObias...she was surprised that Vivi had survived her puppyhood based on the clinical reports. I have struggled to find a balanced diet that allows her to get the necessary protein without overwhelming her very under developed liver. Last Spring she almost died as a result of the kidney stones and we were given very little hope for her future. Vivi, however, was not ready to give up and neither was I. Her diet consists of organic baby food and added carrots, apples, and bananas. She loves the added texture. She gets 3cc's of lactulose 3 times a day. Last summer I was walking in the East Village in NYC and I came across a holistic pet store and went in to see if they had

anything for liver ailments.
I found a bottle of their private label herbal supplement for liver and kidneys and decided to try it. Vivi has never liked any other supplement and i have tried several so i didn't give this one much hope. I mixed it in her food and she ate it....in fact she gobbled it down. THat was four months ago and during that time I have seen a remarkable difference in my dog.....she has more energy than she has ever had....her eyes are bright, she is very alert....I thought I was imagining this...could my dog actually be getting better? Yesterday, I took her to my vet and he also noticed a big difference and decided to run extensive blood tests....I just got the results....her numbers are the best they have been in her entire life. She is not cured by any stretch but she has improved which means that clinically her tiny liver is working better. He and I both are astounded. I bought this stuff from Whiskers Holistic Products 235 E. 9th street, NYC,NY 10003. 1-212-979-2532. or 1-800-WHISKERS. It is called WHiskers Own Liver/Kidney Aide.It is not available online so i just reordered it over the phone. I do not work for this company or know anyone that does....nor am I being compensated in any way. I apologize for sounding like an infomercial but I have been trying to help Vivi for a long time and this is the first time the vet has ever called me with good news. My dog's condition is inoperable so this is the only thing I can do....try to keep her underdeveloped liver working to it's best ability. And finally something helped her. The product contains dandelion root, milk thistle, corn silk,marshmallow root, and cleaver's herb . It is organic. I hope that this helps other dogs suffering from liver disease.:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles (Post 1557974)

I am so glad it's operable. Continuing to pray for you to make the best decisions for Teddi & where to have the surgery. I loved the pix & video of your 2 together. I don't know if you have seen this new thread or not - maybe there is something here that would help you.


http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=104978

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1559537)

Knoxville, TN - here we come. We are flying out on 12/11 to Knoxville, will arrive on 12/12 in the morning. Teddi's surgery is scheduled for 12/13. We will return on 12/17. I'm feel so happy and comfortable having the surgery done at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Thank you all for all your support. I would have been able to get through this without all of you!!!!

xoxo

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1559537)

Knoxville, TN - here we come. We are flying out on 12/11 to Knoxville, will arrive on 12/12 in the morning. Teddi's surgery is scheduled for 12/13. We will return on 12/17. I'm feel so happy and comfortable having the surgery done at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Thank you all for all your support. I would have been able to get through this without all of you!!!!

xoxo

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1559537)

Knoxville, TN - here we come. We are flying out on 12/11 to Knoxville, will arrive on 12/12 in the morning. Teddi's surgery is scheduled for 12/13. We will return on 12/17. I'm feel so happy and comfortable having the surgery done at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Thank you all for all your support. I would have been able to get through this without all of you!!!!

xoxo

Originally Posted by laurenr (Post 1561100)

Ronda,
Is that the final date? So you decided then to push it back a week? I am SO happy you found that support group which led you to those wonderful sounding doctors you told me about.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I think the week after next is great, because it gives Teddi time to build up her strength even more after last week's ordeal.
I've been thinking of supplies you will need to take with you. You're going to have SO much on your mind, so let us help you get organized. Maybe others here can suggest items that would come in useful. This is what I have thought of...(keep in mind, I am thinking like a Mommy, not a Medical professional):
Crate for the plane - I know this sounds obvious, but most people use the soft-sided Celtei type, and I think to avoid possible injury if knocked (after the surgery), the crate should be the solid kind - all 4 walls hard surfaced. Airports/planes could be a dangerous place for a very delicate post-op Teddi.
Baby receiving blankets- these are great for putting on the floor of the crate. They can be washed with bleach before you leave, to provide a more sterile place for Teddi to lie on. They pack very small and flat, and if Teddi soils one during the journey, it's very easy to change them out. They can be purchased in a three-pack anywhere like Target, Toys/Babies R Us, Walmart, etc.Also, remember how very cold it can be on a plane, especially the floor. Teddi could be covered with one because she is unlikely to be able to wear her usual sweaters.
Baby Wipes again for use if Teddi throws up/soils herself on the journey home.
Nutrical/Nutrigel - if Teddi's doctors approve of its use, you could need this en route, especially when you consider possible flight delays this time of the year.


Other obvious items: Vet approved food? water bowl that Teddi can use at the airport or on the plane - I just cannot see her being able to drink out of a cup.

Okay Yorkie Talkers! What else do you think Ronda and Teddi would need to prepare? Having never experienced this, there is probably tons I am forgetting to mention....

Lauren:D

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1559537)

Knoxville, TN - here we come. We are flying out on 12/11 to Knoxville, will arrive on 12/12 in the morning. Teddi's surgery is scheduled for 12/13. We will return on 12/17. I'm feel so happy and comfortable having the surgery done at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Thank you all for all your support. I would have been able to get through this without all of you!!!!

xoxo

Originally Posted by laurenr (Post 1561100)

Ronda,
Is that the final date? So you decided then to push it back a week? I am SO happy you found that support group which led you to those wonderful sounding doctors you told me about.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I think the week after next is great, because it gives Teddi time to build up her strength even more after last week's ordeal.
I've been thinking of supplies you will need to take with you. You're going to have SO much on your mind, so let us help you get organized. Maybe others here can suggest items that would come in useful. This is what I have thought of...(keep in mind, I am thinking like a Mommy, not a Medical professional):
Crate for the plane - I know this sounds obvious, but most people use the soft-sided Celtei type, and I think to avoid possible injury if knocked (after the surgery), the crate should be the solid kind - all 4 walls hard surfaced. Airports/planes could be a dangerous place for a very delicate post-op Teddi.
Baby receiving blankets- these are great for putting on the floor of the crate. They can be washed with bleach before you leave, to provide a more sterile place for Teddi to lie on. They pack very small and flat, and if Teddi soils one during the journey, it's very easy to change them out. They can be purchased in a three-pack anywhere like Target, Toys/Babies R Us, Walmart, etc.Also, remember how very cold it can be on a plane, especially the floor. Teddi could be covered with one because she is unlikely to be able to wear her usual sweaters.
Baby Wipes again for use if Teddi throws up/soils herself on the journey home.
Nutrical/Nutrigel - if Teddi's doctors approve of its use, you could need this en route, especially when you consider possible flight delays this time of the year.


Other obvious items: Vet approved food? water bowl that Teddi can use at the airport or on the plane - I just cannot see her being able to drink out of a cup.

Okay Yorkie Talkers! What else do you think Ronda and Teddi would need to prepare? Having never experienced this, there is probably tons I am forgetting to mention....

Lauren:D

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1565175)

Teddi is probably going to have more luggage than me! I'm a little scared of flying on a smaller plane. Flying from LA to Charlotte is fine but then from Charlotte to Knoxville I have to go on a smaller plane...I had a choice of one with 9 rows or one with 13 rows and I booked the 13 row one...I figured it was a little bigger than the 9 row one. I've only been on a small plane like that once to go to Penn State and I got sick...hope it doesn't happen this time!!

Originally Posted by laurenr (Post 1565497)

Ronda,
Any plane with less than 13 rows of seats is what I call a "Wind-up and Toss'em". Not for me either. Nope, no way, never. I flew on one once with Jack to an island. The wind tossed us around like an overloaded kite gone schitzo. When it was time to fly home, I refused to board, stood there like a crazy lady on the runway and would not budge. I took a boat back to the mainland and ended up tossing my cookies:confuse2: while the boat tossed and turned in the enormous waves....LOL. We nearly got divorced on my return, he was THAT happy with me...Tee! Hee!
Gotta love flying,
Lauren:D
Note: Hubby said it was "divine justice" that my luggage took almost a week to arrive after my infamous airborne desertion:p (I think my suitcase took a tour of the islands:confused:)

Originally Posted by RONLYNN (Post 1556201)

Just wanted to update everyone on Teddi. We had the consultation today with the surgeon. She explained everything to me and drew a picture of the insides and explained that normally only about 15% of the blood is not filtered through the liver and in Teddi's case she has 85% that is not filtering. She is scheduled to have her surgery on Monday (12/3/07). I have to bring her to the hospital on Sunday night. She will have to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days. The doctor told me that if I didn't have the surgery she would only live another year. I did contact the breeder I got her from to ask if they have other puppies with this condition and got this back:

Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to hear about Teddi and hope she will feel better soon.
Both of his parents are 100% and we never had this problem in the past so i am puzzled for how she got it.
Please forward all the medical record to us so we can look into it and keep us updated on how Teddi is doing.

I guess it was just a fluke that she got the liver shunt but she is in really good spirits. She was running all over the house last nite and this morning. She was attacking her toys and Cassie.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming for us!!!

xoxo, Ronda