Liver Shunt diagnosis
 

I'm absolutely devastated to report that my 9.5 week old Sophie has been diagnosed with the Liver Shunt disorder. :( :( :(

I took her to the vet a week ago Monday and had the bile test done. The vet said the results would be in the next day. I assumed 'no news is good news'. I was so wrong. The vet called today while I was on a field trip and said her results showed a liver shunt problem.

I have scheduled an appointment with a specialist on Monday - the earliert she can be seen. I am *praying* that this diagnosis is a mistake. I do not want my precious Sophie to go through any suffering from this disease or from surgery. I've only had her 10 days, but my whole life has literally changed because of her being in it. I've taken an extended leave of absene from work just so that I could spend all of her new life with her!! She has become a major part of this family, and I'm so sad that her life may be cut short, or be filled with misery (which I will not let happen.)

Anyway, I would so much appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I'm trying not to think the worst. I'm doing lots of research on the net, and I've gotten info from 2 vets about the possible outcomes.

I've called the breeder and left a message for him, telling him of Sophie's condition and begging him to have the other 2 from the litter tested for the disorder. It's just too hard, to bring this puppy into your life, love it, cherish it, and find out that it will suffer.

Thanks for listening.

shunt
 

I am very sorry to hear this..does she have any symtoms..Yorkies are famous for "failing" bile acid tests. Best wishes

I can't say for certain she has any symptoms. She's vomited twice, and at times seems lethargic. However, the lethargy could simply be from my playing with her too much and she's tired. I had the test administered because of what I've read about the possibility of liver problems in Yorkies. I didn't know that the tests can be inaccurate many times! I hope that is the case.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the diagnosis is incorrect. That is my fervent hope and prayer, and I pray that Monday, I will know for sure and the answer will be "She's perfectly fine."

The Bile Acid test does not definately mean a livershunt. It only indicates some sort of problem concerning the liver. To definately know if it is a shunt, further testing is needed. Was your pup fasted for 12 hours? Also, does the breeder you purchased your pup from have any kind of health guarntee? I have been through the livershunt surgery with my Misty, but her's was not discovered until she was almost 2.

I feel so sorry for you and your family. I know all too well what it's like to love a dog and to hear they have something terribly wrong with them.

Good Luck to you and think positive thoughts!

So sorry!
 

I"m so sorry to hear about your baby. I hope for the best for you. Please keep us posted!

So sorry that Sophie is sick. We will definitely remember you both in our prayers and believe that you will get a good report on Monday! Vets sometime make errors on tests. We had to find an emergency vet on a trip recently and he came in and told us that the preliminary bloodwork showed signs of kidney disease in Toto! I almost fainted ... it scared us so bad!! Patrick "suggested" that perhaps he could do the testing again because we had her checked inside/out in Denver just a few months ago for any signs of genetic disease and they had pronounced her perfect. The vet drew blood again, retested and found that it was just dehydration & a gastrointestinal inflamation. So, they do make mistakes! Please keep us updated on how Sophie is doing!

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this terrible ordeal. I will be praying for Sophie and for you as well.

Me too. Sending prayers your way.

Im So sorry you and your baby are hurting, My heart and prayers will be with your baby and your family..

My prayers and best wishes for a great outcome are with you and Sophie.............Cindy

Praying that Sophie will be alright. I am thinking of you as you go through this terrible ordeal and hoping that all be well again soon.

You and your little baby will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I feel so bad...my heart goes out to you and your little Sophie. I will be praying that Sophie is free of liver shunt and that this terrible worry can be lifted off your shoulders. Hugs to you and Sophie!

I am so sorry your little baby is sick. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless.