Liver shunt surgery

[sbshoegrl]

Originally Posted by TLC

What other tests were done? How can he be 100% sure she has a Shunt? (he can't be, that's the problem I have....)

The only tests that were done was the blood test bile acid test. He reccomended surgery because in his opinion she will need it anyway.

[TLC]

I agree that the BATs can be all over the place, and it could be LS or it could be MVD in which case no surgery is needed.

I would just want some more proof of something before I would agree to a $3400 surgery

[TLC]

Originally Posted by sbshoegrl

The only tests that were done was the blood test bile acid test. He reccomended surgery because in his opinion she will need it anyway.

Was there anything to indicate Liver Issues on the Blood Tests?

What is her weight and age? What odd behaviors is she displaying to indicate Liver Issues?

[sbshoegrl]

Originally Posted by Robin Lodal

My Ginger had BA of 69 pre and 129 post... had a scintigraphy completed and everything at UT, went in for surgery and she did NOT have a shunt... so... sometimes the ONLY way to completely rule it out is surgery. Sad but true... so Ginger just has MVD... so clearly the bile acids can be all over the place.

So after Ginger had the surgery what did they do to help her?

[TLC]

Originally Posted by sbshoegrl

So after Ginger had the surgery what did they do to help her?

There is nothing you can do for an MVD dog surgerically, they are managed through a special diet and supplements and sometimes Lactulose and antibi's.

MVD dogs can live a happy and healthy life

[TLC]

Did the Dr. happen to discuss MVD with you? Did he talk about doing surgery and maybe NOT finding a shunt, then what?

[3FurryFaces]

This is from the website of the clinic where Dr Center practices out of:
You might need a referral from your regular vet, but call over there and ask what you need. Good luck to you and your baby.

Cornell University
Hospital for Animals
Box 20
College of
Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-6401

Phone: 607-253-3060

The Companion Animal Hospital at Cornell University

[sbshoegrl]

Originally Posted by TLC

Was there anything to indicate Liver Issues on the Blood Tests?

What is her weight and age? What odd behaviors is she displaying to indicate Liver Issues?

she weighs 4 lbs and is 6 months old. Initially she was taken to the ER because her head was moving in a circular position and she couldnt keep herself up kind of like a seizure and her little nose was dry. Thats when they gave her lactulose and after that i took her to my vet where he did blood work and after that is when we went to the specialist where he looked at her bloodwork from my vet and gave me his opinion.

[sbshoegrl]

Originally Posted by TLC

Did the Dr. happen to discuss MVD with you? Did he talk about doing surgery and maybe NOT finding a shunt, then what?

he didnt say anything about mvd

[Robin Lodal]

Originally Posted by sbshoegrl

So after Ginger had the surgery what did they do to help her?

Long term she is on Royal Canin Hepatic LS 14 (low protein diet with 14% protein) with Hills LD canned if I want and she gets 1 dose of Lactulose a day to help keep the toxins out of her body and she gets Vetri Soft Liver Chews everyday as well.

The only costly thing is the food (the RC can be as much as $30 for 6.6lb! At UT you can get it for $18 though) but she only eats about a 1/2c a day so it lasts a while. The lactulose is on the $4 program at most pharmacies so my vet calls it in and one fill will last me like 9 months. The Vetri Soft Liver Chews are $30 from entirelypets.com. There are 60 chews I split them into 8 pieces and she gets 1/8 of a chew so one bag will last me like a year and a half I think...??? So really, her supplements/meds are pennies. She is 5 months old and about 3.5lb now. She had her surgery back in Oct.

I just need to watch her protein. I have found several treats that are low protein so she really isn't restricted at all (just eats a different food from the others) and her meds/supplements are like a treat to her! So far, it has been MUCH easier than what I imagined.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by sbshoegrl

he didnt say anything about mvd

Well, before you decide, I would call the Specialist back and discuss MVD

[Robin Lodal]

Originally Posted by TLC

Well, before you decide, I would call the Specialist back and discuss MVD

Yes, I agree. At least have an ultrasound or scintigraphy done. I know sometimes they aren't always 100% BUT they could give you a much better picture of what you are dealing with and whether or not you need surgery for sure.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by Robin Lodal

Yes, I agree. At least have an ultrasound or scintigraphy done. I know sometimes they aren't always 100% BUT they could give you a much better picture of what you are dealing with and whether or not you need surgery for sure.

I agree too!

$3400 is just a lot of money to spend to jump right into surgery

[sbshoegrl]

Originally Posted by TLC

I agree too!

$3400 is just a lot of money to spend to jump right into surgery

I called the specilaist and am going to discuss mvd as well as scintography and ultra sound. I will let everyone know the conclusion tommorow. Thankyou all so much for the advice im really glad i joined this website!

[bchgirl]

Ask them to do a protein C test. It's a blood test and does determine if it's a shunt.