2006-11-20 12:43:49 · 3 answers · asked by AJ 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
When is her surgery scheduled for? That's the only way to correct a shunt. She might need to be hospitalized on IV fluids and other medications until she's ready.
If you haven't yet seen a board-certified veterinary surgical specialist, that's what you need to do next. If you have, you need to be discussing this with her doctor.
No one here is going to be able to give you any specific medical advice, as every case is different.....and most people here do not have a degree in veterinary medicine.
If the diagnosis has already been made (it's pretty straightforward), there's really no point in sending samples anywhere. The definitive treatment...and only cure...is surgery to close the shunt. Anything else is only palliative.
Flagyl IS probably the most appropriate antibiotic for this, btw. It is not a dewormer. It is very effective against anaerobic bacteria and also has some antiinflammatory effects. It is commonly used for intestinal and liver problems. It is also effective against certain protozoan parasites. It is not a subsitute for surgery, however. It's just to help get the dog in better shape for it.
2006-11-20 13:00:16 · answer #1 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
U don't give her age... and as 10 # is H U G E for a Yorkie, i'm guessing that she made it to adulthood?
most pups with serious liver-shunts don't make it past 6 mos; the shunt means they are living in a constant toxic state, as their liver can't properly detoxify their blood, with so much of the flow diverted.
surgery to close off the abnormal blood vessel is the only way to improve a dog's function and life, that i'm aware of - it can be partly shut-down with a suture or a clamp, or ligated completely.
Flagyl is a worming med, i believe; not a med that has to do with her shunt, a separate issue.
2006-11-20 21:41:11 · answer #2 · answered by leashedforlife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is some very good reading on shunts, seizures, treatments.
There is a Dr.Dodd who does studies in this area. See if your Vet will send samples to her.
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/
2006-11-20 21:23:08 · answer #3 · answered by Yorkies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋