? Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt ?

[kuhio98]

Does anyone know what this means? Or have experience with such a thing?

Here's the adorable Mya She is a 4-month old Shepherd mix.
She was lucky to be rescued by the Critter Connection League in Detroit, but now she needs this surgery.

From her iMOM page:

My name is Claudia from Critter Connection League. In January, I rescued Mya from a yard in Detroit. Poor Mya had a bad start in life, she came from a home with many neglected dogs. She was left out in frigid temperatures, and survived due to a call to my organization from a concerned neighbor. She showed no signs of being sick for the first few weeks until I foster her out to one of my foster families. Her foster family sensed something was wrong with Mya. After she ate she would show signs consisting of mental depression, drooling, and abnormal motor activity. They thought maybe it was the food, but we found out that she had an intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt. Having a shunt may have actually saved her. As all of us are now aware the Nutra Ultra Puppy food was on the tainted dog food list. Mya could not digest it because of the high protein; so she threw it up immediately, and became very, very ill. Mya is now on prescription food, and medicines. We are in touch with Michigan State University, and have a wonder surgeon, Dr. Beal. He is confident that this procedure will benefit Mya. If Mya's clinical signs worsen again in spite of the medical therapy, she may need to be hospitalized for further intensive care. We are hopeful in the next 6 weeks to get enough funds together, before that would happen.

IMOM Pet in Need (PIN)
Mya - Critter Connection Rescue

Diagnosis: Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (IHPSS)

Amount of estimate: $5330 - Critter Connection can contribute $2500 and MSU is donating $500 from their Lucky Fund. We need to raise $2330
Spayed or neutered: No - will be done when Mya is well enough

Case worker: Diana C.

Please make a donation. There is no amount too small

As of today, only TEN DOLLARS have come in for Mya. If you can donate -- or know of other organizations that can help iMOM and Critter Connection give this baby a chance, please let iMOM know or post it on Mya's thread HERE.

[Freedom]

From the description below, it sounds like the tube from the liver to the heart is not working properly and will be by-passed with a shunt.


http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/car...ic%20shunt.htm

[cassiesmom]

She has this inherited condition called an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Which results in high levels of toxins in the blood because the blood doesn't get back to the dog's liver for filtering. She needs surgery to close it. Without the procedure she could develop liver failure. She is beautiful.

[Freedom]

You got all that out of the gobbledy gook in that medical text I referenced? Wow, you are good!!

No seriously, thanks for explaining. I found the link but I still wasn't sure what the heck it meant.

[cassiesmom]

all that nursing school wasn't a total wash! (2 jobs ago I was on a team that worked with patients going through the insurance coverage process for kidney, pancreas and liver transplants - I learned a TON)

[kuhio98]

all that nursing school wasn't a total wash! (2 jobs ago I was on a team that worked with patients going through the insurance coverage process for kidney, pancreas and liver transplants - I learned a TON)

Thanks for explaining it in English! I couldn't figure out what the heck they were talking about on the websites I found.

[kuhio98]

It appears that a less invasive procedure has been developed. From Cindy with Critter Connection:
The procedure that Mya needs was previously done through surgery. Now they do not have to open her. They go in the jugular vein in the neck and with assistance of a cat scan along with dye they follow through with wires. The stint is put into the liver and the results are so much better. The dogs come out the next day with no stutures no pain and are not even aware they had any thing done. There is no blood loss and the success rate is great. I hope we can make this possible.

[cassiesmom]

kuhio98, do you know how the fund-raising is going for Mya?

[kuhio98]

kuhio98, do you know how the fund-raising is going for Mya?

No, I don't. iMOM hasn't published an fund update which could mean that no additional funds have come in or the volunteer that usually posts updates is gone for the weekend.

You can follow Mya's update HERE

[cyber-sibes]

We're sending prayers for Mya. It sounds complicated, will the surgery be a permanant fix or is this something she'll have to go through more than once as she grows?

[kuhio98]

Fund updates from iMOM today:

GF - Anna Van der Merwe 3,410.00
GF - Chappy Luzaber 420.00
GF - Duke Arbulu 604.00
GF - Dustie George 894.00
GF - Mya Critter Connection 160.00

[kuhio98]

Another photo of Mya showing her gorgeous eyes.

[kuhio98]

Fund Update for Mya: $475

[kuhio98]

Mya got a very nice donations last night! Thanks you so much donor.

Fund Update: $975 in donations.

IMOM was to match with a $300 pledge.

After that, Mya will have $1275 in her fund. That leaves another $1055 to raise.

The iMOM volunteers have started a virtual bake sale to raise funds for Mya's surgery. You can bid and follow Mya's progress (and see some hilarious photos of cupcake eating dogs) HERE

[kuhio98]

5/1/07 fund update

We're making great progress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GF - Abbe Morana 165.00
GF - Anna Van der Merwe 3,410.00
GF - Buddy Shoesmith 353.00
GF - Chappy Luzaber 420.00
GF - Charley Okel 500.00
GF - Dustie George 894.00
GF - Dylan Edens 300.00
GF - Honey Pets Haven Rescue 466.00
GF - Justice Van Allen 391.25
GF - Molly Elkins 105.00
GF - Mya Critter Connection 1,320.00
GF - Nakita Speciale 0.00
GF - Shy Guy Aguilar 1,000.00
GF - Star Marcotullio 293.26
GF - Tucker Van Allen 226.14