Liver Shunt

[Noah's Mommy]

Hello, I posted once about Noah a couple months back (excessive slobbering/sleeping in litterbox) and appreciated all the advice that was given.

Well, since then, we found out that Noah (almost 6 mos) had a liver shunt. We were able to be recommended a great doctor who has done this surgery before and he went in last Wednesday. The vet let us take him home on Saturday because he was eating on his own and seemed to be doing well.

We brought him home and confined him to a room for a quiet recovery. He was just not the same kitten, he was really jittery and tonight (Monday) he had a seizure. It was horrible. I've never seen anything and hope to never see anything like that again, it just ripped my heart to pieces. It took us 20 min to fight traffic to get to the vet and he had the seizure the whole ride. Our vet was able to stabilize him, but told us we had to take him to the hospital where someone can monitor him through the night. They said he has to stay there to observe him for a couple days. I'm sorry for writing so much, but I am so lost. Has anybody been through this? At the hospital they said most people don't opt for the surgery and gave him a 50/50 chance. My heart is just broken. He was so happy before the surgery and I know he needed the surgery, but I feel so guilty because of everything he is going through. Again, I'm sorry for rambling, but I am hoping somebody has been through this and can give me some advice. Thank you, Kimmi

[Traci]

What type of shunt is it....intrahepatic or extrahepatic? If extrahepatic, these are generally corrected with surgery, with good results. If this is the type, I am curious why the vet said most people don't have the surgery and/or there is a 50/50 chance. This is not right, not for an extrahepatic shunt, if the surgeon is qualified and experienced, the chances at recovery are good.

Your vet (or the vet who performed the surgery) needs to find out what is causing the seizures. Bloodwork is in order immediately, as well as potential x-rays and ultrasound. The liver needs to be fully evaluated ASAP, as well as ruling out other causes to seizure activity.

If you, for any reason, are not comfortable with your vet or the surgeon, IMMEDIATELY get your kitten to a more experienced vet (preferrably feline-only and if you have a feline specialist nearby, this would be ideal)

Don't give up, but you MUST have an experienced vet/surgeon working with Noah and you.

[Noah's Mommy]

Hi Traci, I'm not sure if it was the intrahepatic or extrahepatic shunt. The vet Noah goes to said most people don't opt for the surgery because it is costly. The testing/ultrasounds/overnight stays and extended stays at the hospital along with the surgery and medicines have racked up quite a bill of over $3500. I would do anything necessary to save Noah so that isn't a problem, but it is a lot of money. At the vet, even one of the assistants I spoke with came from a specialty clinic in CA and she said it was rare to see it done because most people opt to put their pet down/choose to ignore the issue. (This was mind blowing because she worked at a specialty clinic that surely must've seen these type of probs come in.)

The doctor at the hospital said from his experience, animals who had the surgery and had seizures afterwards didn't fare well so I was hoping somebody has been through this with their kitten that had the surgery and seizures and could give me hope. They are running more bloodwork on him and said there was too much acidity in his blood and they are in contact with the surgeon who performed the surgery, but I have no answers. I don't know anymore today than yesterday. I haven't given up, but I'm just an emotional wreck. Thanks anyways.

[Noah's Mommy]

I just wanted to post that at 5pm today, Noah had a grand mal seizure and passed away. He was the first cat I've ever had and in the short 3 months we had him, he was the sweetest, cuddliest kitten with such personality. Noah we love you.

[LisaLisa]

I'm so sorry to hear about little Noah...poor baby. Kimmi, you did all you could for him. You gave him alot of love too in the time short time you had him. Safe journey to the bridge, little Noah.

(((Hugs)))

Lisa

[annabradley]

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Noah. I recently lost my cat, Honey, after a lot of health problems. I understand. My prayers are with you.
Anna B.

[Traci]

Kimmi, I am so very sorry, I so wish more could have been done. Unfortunately, only a necropsy could determine the possible cause to the seizures, but I would understand if you declined.

There are various post-surgery complications that could have developed, the liver is a very sensitive organ and subject to insult, while at the same time, has amazing regeneration capabilities. It's possible there was an associated condition (i.e., with gallbladder, bile ducts, ammonia excess, etc) that could have prevented the recovery, but there is no certain way to know without a necropsy.

My heart goes out to you, I'm sure you did everything you could, and Noah knew that and felt your love and devotion....(((HUGS)))