Pug Authority Forum
Welcome to the Pug Authority forum!

This is a fun, supportive community of pug owners who are dedicated to sharing our experiences regarding responsible pug ownership and learning from others.

You are currently viewing the forum as guest which does not give you the same access as members. Please click the Register button below to join our community! If you are already a member, please log-in!

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Pug Authority Forum
Welcome to the Pug Authority forum!

This is a fun, supportive community of pug owners who are dedicated to sharing our experiences regarding responsible pug ownership and learning from others.

You are currently viewing the forum as guest which does not give you the same access as members. Please click the Register button below to join our community! If you are already a member, please log-in!
Pug Authority Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

+4
Brenda
northernwitch
Aussie Witch
beckyb30
8 posters

Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  beckyb30 3/1/2012, 7:38 pm

So I've been researching online about having the liver shunt surgery for Winston and it seems I'm hearing a lot about university of Tennessee that they are one of the best to preform LS surgery just wondering if anyone has had it done there or knows of someone that did. Also if they really are one of the best does it cost significantly more?
beckyb30
beckyb30
 
 

Number of posts : 3
Location : Wisconsin

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  Aussie Witch 3/1/2012, 11:33 pm

I'm sure someone will chime in if I'm incorrect, but I believe University vet centres don't put a premium on their charges. It is usually the best kind of place to get difficult conditions treated and they are always at the forefront of technology and advances in treatments.

If you have heard good things about this place, then go with it. I know it's going to be expensive, but unless you're comparing one top-rated surgeon at a first-class facility against another at that level, price comparisons shouldn't come into helping you make a decision.

The very, very best of luck for your boy. I would get it done asap. Remember to continue the liver diet for 6 - 8 weeks after the surgery until the shunt is closed. please keep us updated.
Aussie Witch
Aussie Witch
 
 

Number of posts : 8556
Location : The Antipodes.

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  northernwitch 3/2/2012, 12:32 am

Whether he gets surgery will depend
on whether the shunt(s) are internal or external, acquired or
congenital. Sorry--I haven't read all your posts--has an ultrasound
been done?

As to University of Tennessee, I can't say. I live in
Canada and we had Leila's surgery done at our local emergency and
referral hospital--mind you they are excellent and among the best in the
province.

I would caution you against moving a dog that is
this ill to Tennessee--driving him or flying him would be very stressful
and that would be a bad thing for an ill dog. I'd consider contacting
UW: http://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/

I will warn you that this is an expensive surgery. I know up here it ran us pretty close to 4 grand (I think). Now vet care IS more expensive here in Canada.
northernwitch
northernwitch
 
 

Number of posts : 11031
Location : Toronto, Ontario

http://www.pugalug.com

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  Brenda 3/2/2012, 9:12 am

If it's an external shunt, I suggest you make sure where you get surgery done, that they use an ameroid (sp) constrictor to "tie off" the shunt. This closes the shunt gradually, not all at once so it's not such a shock to the body. University of TN is a very good facility, but keep in mind what Blanche says too about going too far from home.
Brenda
Brenda
 
 

Number of posts : 2221
Location : Atlanta, GA

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  PugLady3 3/2/2012, 11:12 am

Depending on where you're at in Wisconsin, you might want to look into the University of Wisconsin's veterinary services. Our rescue has used them for other types of surgeries in the past.

http://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/
PugLady3
PugLady3
 
 

Number of posts : 2562
Location : Geneva, IL

http://www.northernillinoispugrescue.org

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  Renee 3/2/2012, 1:31 pm

I think I am going to repeat what Blanche is saying here. Rather than looking for the "best" surgery center, you first need to see a specialist in your area and get the answers in regards to what kind of shunt he has and what the surgical options are.

My personal opinion is that there is no need to travel all the way to Tennessee, if you have a qualified specialist that can do the surgery in your area. Even up here in Alaska, we have a qualified specialist that has performed two liver shunt surgeries for us on rescues. Both times, it cost us about $5,000 when all was said and done.
Renee
Renee
 
 

Number of posts : 5694
Location : Anchorage Alaska

http://www.polarpug.org

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  papaspugs 3/2/2012, 8:20 pm

I live in TN and have been to UT vet clinic with a previous pug of mine. I have also attended liver shunt seminars there. I am don't know if you've post all the details, but my advise would be:

1. Consult with your primary vet

2. Get a referral to a specialist in your area

3. A specialist can do a consultation with UT if necessary

Here is a liver shunt resource http://www.yorkieangelpatrol.com/
papaspugs
papaspugs
 
 

Number of posts : 2297
Location : Chattanooga, TN

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  leslyeb 3/8/2012, 8:24 pm

I would trust the University of Madison in Wisconsin 100%. When I lived in northern Illinois, I would use that facility when my regular vet was not available. They have specialist plus so many interns that your pet gets a lot of attention. My boy Pugsly who passed away a couple of years ago at age 10 had liver shunt surgery when he was a year old. I was living in Texas at the time and was sent to Texas A & M.

Your pug really needs to see a specialist so they can do an ultrasound plus a radioactive test which helps to see if the shunt is internal or external. The longer you wait, the prognosis for a successful surgery are not as good.

The universities are usually a little cheaper then the specialty clinics, but the prices seems to be fairly close in the same regions. I think what is cheaper is the overnight care at universities verses the specialty clinics.
leslyeb
leslyeb
 
 

Number of posts : 707
Location : Mt. Juliet, TN

Back to top Go down

Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee?? Empty Re: Liver shunt surgery at university of Tennessee??

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum