Lupo and a Warning

[eeoski]

Lupo has been quite ill for the past 10 days or so...not eating/drinking, losing weight, lethargic, tremours, "rocking" (he looked like he was drunk) and some other "unLupo-like" symptoms. All his blood work came back within normal limits. We tried chicken and rice diet (I have had to hand feed and water him all this time), but no changes and my vet referred us to a small animal specialist who said he exhibited symptoms of a liver problem called a "shunt" and while the preliminary lab work didn't reveal a problem he did some secondary tests for enzymes which revealed problems with his liver (its a bile something test) and confirmed a likelihood of a shunt.

Apparently this is a relatively common problem with Yorkies and some other small breeds and may not manifest itself for quite a while (Lupo is 2 years, 2 months) and is believed to possible be genetic. A shunt is a vessel that carries blood past the liver when the dog is a fetus and should normally close off in 6 to 8 weeks after birth. If it doesn't the blood follows the path of least resistence and continues to bypass the liver and prevents toxins from being cleansed from the blood and makes it way to the dog's brain. If there is a single shunt and if it is external (most often is in small animals) then it is tied off and this reroutes the blood back through the liver. Presuming the liver function resumes then the dog recovers. (This is the "reader's digest, lay person's version of the problem.)

Today we went to another specialist and had an ultrasound done. The results are that he does appear to have a single shunt (there is a remote possibility that the ultrasound did not catch all of them if there are multiples (a bad thing)). Per the doctor, they prefer being able to do corrective surgery for this before the dog reaches 2 years of age as that has the highest success rate. HOWEVER, Lupo is on the cusp of 2 years (2 years, 2 months) so the feeling is that surgery is still a viable/the best option for him.

Presuming the surgery goes well and his post operative recovery is non-eventful (complications can be secondary infection, a crimp from the surgery which causing extreme abdominal pressure (and more surgery), and post operative seizure disorder...all of which are unusual, but possible) the next hurdle is whether or not his liver function is restored so as to filter out the toxins that are causing his illness (lack of eating/drinking, loss of weight, tremours, etc.). IF all of that goes well his prognosis appears to be good...short term medication and diet. If not, then long term medication/diet or possible short term/immediate death.

We are cautiously optimistic about the surgery and Lupo's opportunity for a full, uneventful recovery.

Tomorrow morning I will be taking him in for surgery and he will be kept at the hospital for a couple of days. I hope that he'll do well and I will be able to pick him up Friday or Saturday.

Lupo had NO previous symptoms regarding this problem (or they were so subtle they weren't obvious to a lay person); it can "hide" from regular lab work absent a special secondary test; it is a relatively "common" problem with Yorkies and small breeds. I am NOT trying to cause a panic among you all who are parents of four legged "children" but as I had NEVER heard of this problem before and I know there a number of "moms and dads" of Yorkies in particular out there in the Montana Owners Group I thought I'd let you all know about it.

Ironically, Lupo had all but one (or maybe two) of the symptoms described on a website I "Googled" yesterday. Information is power so I'm sharing the website with you as well (there were numerous ones, but this was the first one I looked at AND it actually was very easy for me to understand) in case you want to take a look at it: http://vetsurgerycentral.com/pss.htm

Hope you'll keep the little guy in your thoughts and prayers! I'll update as I get information.

Robin

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Robin,

So very sorry to hear about this. Liver shunt is well known in the yorkie circles, sadly,

Go here:

http://www.yorkierescue.com/

Look for Liver Shunt fund:

http://www.yorkierescue.com/livershunt/liverangel.html

and this page has ALL kinds of info:

http://www.livershunt.com/

I have not followed all the links, but, I am sure there is some helpful information there for you.

They have specialist vets, this rescue group works very closely with some of the best. Maybe there are some more people you should be talking to??? I don't know, I don't know who is a good vet for this and who may not, so, all I can do for you is pass on the links.

Liver shunt is nasty business, you and Lupo will be in my prayers, and my 3 kids are sending puppy hugs to Lupo, to get well soon.

[Icehouse]

It's also a common problem for chihuahua's. Please let us know how Lupo does.

[eeoski]

Lupo is out of surgery and awake. He did have just one shunt (good news), but in (a)typical fashion for the Hermann clan his shunt went "over the river and through the woods" and ultimately went to his kidney, which is unusual. However, the surgeon was able to put on the clamp as needed and as they had to go the "scenic route" to track the shunt and ensure there were no others they were able to do a visual check of all his other organs and they all looked good. He did well under anesthia and seems to be doing good for now. Next hurdles are post op recovery over the next 12 - 24 hours; successful closing of the shunt (this takes up to six weeks); and return of his liver function. We'll continue to take it a step at a time.

Fortunately, there is a good Veterinary Specialist Group here called "Affiliated Veterinary Specialists" that apparently have a good reputation. I know that Disney uses them for their K-9s as they brought one in this morning when I was checking Lupo in with the surgery people...so, hopefully, that is an additional endorsement as this group is in Maitland (north side of Orlando and Disney is pretty far south of Orlando).

I wish I had know about this problem as I would have had him tested long before this and possibly avoided him actually getting sick and having the treatment done MUCH earlier. Well, lessons learned! The surgeon said his preference is to get them in the first year if at all possible, but unless you know to look/check or they present symptoms sometimes that doesn't happen.

One thing I do know I will be looking for some good veterinarian medical insurance for both of them! Our investment in this situation is about $4,000.00 at this point. NOT something we ever anticipated having to deal with in such a young and presumably healthy animal. I will be checking the recent thread about pet insurance, but any insights anyone might have would be greatly appreciated!

Carol,

Thanks for the information. I did do some research on Monday once I knew what Lupo's diagnosis was so I have a pretty good handle on the basics. The veterinarian surgeon apparently has quite a bit of experience with this particular surgery and treatment. So that makes me feel a bit better about the situation.

Thanks to you all for you kind thoughts and support!

Robin

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Robin,

Lots of puppy prayers still coming your way.

Thanks for the update on Lupo's condition.

Sounds like you got a great VET. WHEW! so scary, and concerning.

Re: pet insurance, my limited info on that is that they rarely cover pre-existing conditions and do not cover routine stuff, like shots, etc.

[eeoski]

Lupo is home! He wound up staying at the vet hospital an extra day as he wouldn't eat for the staff there. I left work at noon on Thursday and went over to the hospital to see if I could get him to eat. After telling me his whole sad story about how horrible those people were to him I took him out for a walk while they prepared his food for him. When we returned I just handed him the food and he just lapped it up like he had never been offered anything to eat before! (Little turkey!) Over the course of an hour and a half he ate half a can of food. (We took little walks in between or he sat in my lap in the reception area and looked out the window.) I stayed with him for three hours, spoke with the veterinarian twice (once when he came out and once just before I left him there for the night), and he was already showing signs of feeling/doing much better.

I went to pick him up Friday morning and other than still refusing to eat for the staff he was doing very well. The vet felt very comfortable releasing Lupo to me as he did eat for me the day before and everything else was "good to go." So armed with dog, antibiotics, stool softner meds, and pain medication we went home about 9:30 a.m. Once home, after Piccola sniffed her brother up one side and down the other (literally) we went to work getting him some food. Little guy ate like he was starving (which, in a way he had been)! I'm feeding him about every two hours and he seems to be tolerating that schedule nicely. While normally a half can of food would be appropriate for his size the vet said that up to a full can a day would be fine as we are trying to get his weight back up (he went from 9.8 pounds to 7. pounds). I have to leash walk him about every two hours (to be sure he is not too rambunctious and to monitor his "output" for warning signs of problems); meds range from twice a day to three times a day; and we have to keep him from licking the sutures (from just under is breast bone to just above his penis).

We are still cautiously optimistic that his liver function will return to normal. However, the doctors (he has two surgeons thank you very much) seem to be very pleased with his progress to date. Presuming no further complications his next doctor's visit is Saturday for suture removal. After that there will be some blood tests and at least one follow-up more involved test in about six weeks that involves radioactive (I think) tracking of the blood flow through his liver.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, puppy prayers and hugs, and human prayers!

Robin

OBTW - All those "horrible" people at the vet gave Lupo a great send off...it took them five minutes to get him from the back for me as I could hear them all saying good by to him and loving on him on the way out! He is SUCH an actor!

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Robin,

thanks so much for keeping us posted on this fur babies progress.

I was just wondering about him this AM.

I'll just bet he will play this up for you as well. yorkies are a hoot, eh??

Tilly, Cappy and Mr. G are still raising puppy paws in prayers and send along a ton of puppy kisses.

(yorkie people let their dogs do a lot of silly things, and we all seem to understand. SIGHHH, sorry for those that think we are overboard. if you are owned by a york, you probably are overboard! )

[Waynem]

Gee! It sounds like he is well loved and well cared for.

Can I come stay awhile. I'll crawl around on all fours if I have to!!

[jjackflash]

quote:Originally posted by Mrs. CountryGuy

Robin,

thanks so much for keeping us posted on this fur babies progress.

I was just wondering about him this AM.

I'll just bet he will play this up for you as well. yorkies are a hoot, eh??

Tilly, Cappy and Mr. G are still raising puppy paws in prayers and send along a ton of puppy kisses.

(yorkie people let their dogs do a lot of silly things, and we all seem to understand. SIGHHH, sorry for those that think we are overboard. if you are owned by a york, you probably are overboard! )

Carol, Spoiling is natural for anyone of us with a fury member of the family. I sometimes think their spoiled worst than the Grand kids! They give Unconditional Love,Do as their told and don't ask for money. LOL!
Robin,our prayers go out to Lupo!
Jack

[krtam]

Robin,

I have been off line a few days due to my son's graduation so I am just now reading about Lupo. I was so glad to hear he came through the surgery so well. Let us know how he is doing now that he is home with "mama".
I did a little research about pet insurance after Lacey broke her foot and did find a couple that did cover routine shots etc. but I don't know about pre-existing conditions. When I find the info I will post it(my house has been full of people for five days).
I will pray for Lupo as well as you while you tend to his needs.

Sharon

[eeoski]

Thank you everyone! I KNOW that the positive energy has been a BIG reason for Lupo's recovery.

Just by our posts, avatars, and signatures (with photos), etc. it is obvious to all the MOCers (with and without pets) that we all go a little (okay alot) gaga over our kids (two and four legged) and grandkids (ditto on the number of legs)! And, to be perfectly honest, at this point in our lives (two legged kids grown and long out of the house) we have both the time, energy, and disposable (and not so disposable) income to indulge/over indulge the four legged family members. Trust me Lupo and Piccola run this household! (Night before last I was watching t.v. in the bedroom and fell asleep with both Piccola and Lupo keeping me company. Rather than disturb us, Doug took to one of the guest rooms!)

We seem to be making continued positive progress in recovery. Lupo is still being hinky about drinking water directly from the bowl, but I mix the dog food with water to offset this and it seems to be working. (Vet gave me the idea.)

Sharon any feedback is appreciated, but I'm thinking your plate is a bit full right now! Enjoy the house guests and this important/wonderful milestone in you son's life!

Jack, I ESPECIALLY love the unconditional love...however, while they don't ASK for money I seem to spend an awful large amount on them (and I'm not talking about vet bills)!

Tammy and Wayne - Casa Hermann (aka Hermann's B&B) is open for business for our MOC friends and family!

Again, thanks for all the positive feedback and prayers! Carol give Lupo's kissing cousins big hugs from us all! I can only imagine all of them together in one place at the same time...scary! LOL

Will provide a follow-up after his suture removal appointment on Saturday!

Robin

[Driftwoodgal]

I haven't been on the boards the last several days. Glad to see that things are going in the right direction. Nothing better than a happy fur buddy. Here is hoping the tail wagging and barking keeps on the right track and improves daily. High paw to Lupo.

Colleen

[krtam]

Robin,
These are the pet insurances I found and saved. My vet actually recommended Pets Best because a client researched many plans and felt that this one was the best. They quoted me about $50.00 a month for both my girls.
Hope this helps. Glad to hear Lupo is doing well, they are such babies or is it they just take advantage of our soft hearts. Anyway all my best. BTW Doug is a keeper.
Sharon

http://www.gopetplan.com/DogPlans/Go...erBronze.html#
http://www.petinsurance.com/coverage/index.aspx
http://www.petsbest.com/

[eeoski]

Well Lupo had his sutures removed on Saturday! The vet said he looks good, his incision is completely healed and she didn't see anything "remarkable!" HOORAY! Now "we" continue on the special diet (K/D) which is low protein; work on getting his weight back up (he has gained 6/10s of a pound of the two pounds he had lost); and pray that the liver function returns to normal (final test for that is in September).

THANKS AGAIN to you ALL for the kind, loving, supportive feedback! It REALLY did make a significant difference to us and (obviously) Lupo over the past few weeks.

On a side note, I really had to get back to work after two weeks of being off with the "boy." I had just left a phone message with my boss that I found a "niche" market...someone who would pet sit at my house so I could go to work and know that my post surgery pet was properly taken care of and in a familiar environment. NOT ten minutes later Lupo and Piccola started barking and I followed them to the front of the house. I looked out of the window and saw a woman walking out of our driveway. I opened the door and there was a door hanger for "AlphaSitter" a pet and house sitting service! After absorbing what was contained on the door hanger and coming out of shock, I looked up and said "I've got it Lord!" and told the "kids" to behave for a minute and I chased the lady down the street. Turns out she is starting her business and is a certified veterinary technician. All I said to her was I have a dog who just had surgery for a shunt and her response was "oh, his liver" and that just made me shiver! We spoke for a few moments and I told her what I was needing and she quoted me a price (reasonable and less than an overnight for the same amount of time (8 hours)). I told her I had to talk to my husband before any decision could be made and she asked if she could meet my dogs. So off we went! She stayed and talked with the dogs for 30 minutes! She reduced the price a bit more (she'd not had a request for a day sitter before and had not contemplated a full day at one place) and I told her I would call her later with an answer. Bottom line is that we decided to try her and she came that evening to meet Doug, go over what needed to be done and to fill out paperwork. She and the dogs became best friends and as this was probably the world's most boring gig for her (I needed her to feed Lupo every two hours, keep him calm, and check his stool for blood and ensure that he had no other post operative "bad stuff" happen) she was looking for stuff to do! She vacuumed the entrance, kitchen and family room; picked up pop in the backyard; deadheaded some of my potted plants; and trimmed some other plants that weren't looking too happy! (I am thinking of adopting her! LOL) I know that God put her where she was needed most last week! She has called twice to get up dates on Lupo. All I can say is that if this is her "norm" (and I think it is) then on work ethic and compassion alone she is going to have a bang up business real quick!

Robin

[Icehouse]

Wow! That's great to hear Robin! She sounds like a wonderful answer to prayers! Glad to hear that Lupo is doing well and recovering nicely!
Tammy

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Such wonderful news. And to have such a wonderful lady dropped in your life just when you needed her, how can it get much better???

[eeoski]

Carol,

I am thinking only thing that might be better would be a MOC Yorkie Rally could be fun! (We could call it that and all the other four paw children could maybe wear costumes!? LOL)

Tammy,

We need to see some updated photos of Mr. Wilson!

Robin

[Icehouse]

I know. I'll see what I can do about some new photos. He's officially spoiled now, you know!
Tammy

[eeoski]

The second you and Bernie took him into your hearts and arms he was spoiled!! NOT a bad thing in my opinion! LOL