Hi everyone -

I recently wrote on the health forum about my Irish Setter, Joely, and received wonderful advice and later she sadly was PTS on the 16th February 2012 after
a complete failure of her nervous system. Fortunately, it was a peaceful end for her - and for me the only way to recover was to have another Irish Setter.
A beautifully bred puppy came to me in March - but has been diagnosed with intrahepatic liver shunt. I have read all I can about this congenital liver defect,
and my puppy has been in and out of hospital in order to become stable on a fluid drip and adjustment of meds and diet. She is having Royal Canin hepatic diet and I add rice, peas, and a little cottage cheese. This has enabled her to be well with Lactulose and antibiotics, although sometimes hyper or lethargic, and I then adapt to her needs.
My question is relating to surgery. She is booked for this at the end of May but I am so worried that I am making a mistake for her survival - although I know
she can't expect normal development without the operation, which is going to be coil embolization in an intravenous method.
Please help with your advice and experiences - many thanks in advance.

Sorry that as I know nothing about Liver shunts I won't be of help but just wanted to say how sorry that you are now going through the worry of a pup with this after losing Joely so recently. Hope someone is able to come on with advice.

Where is your puppy having the surgery if you don't mind me asking?

Sorry to hear you have another poorly pup.

If you go to my website I have written about Penny and her liver shunt,diagnosis and treatment, she will be 9yrs old on the 9th May, she has been left with occassional seizures thought to be due to toxicity affecting the brain before the treatment.

I hope all goes well for you.

Hi

I'm really sorry that you are experiencing such sadness with your Setters. 

I think you may find this site of interest with your present problem:  http://www.irishsetterhealth.info/content/porto-systemic-shunts-liver-shunts. 

I've had Irish Setters for 35 years, but only over the last little while have I lost dogs far too young to sickness. I lost a fantastic girl aged six at the beginning of this year to a cancer a veterinary oncology specialist referred to as genetic.

Have you informed the breeder of the problem with your pup?  I would certainly urge you to contact the breed club health co-ordinator, in order for her to record the problem. 

Very best wishes, to you and your pup.