Update on Lacy's surgery

[iwannalollipop2]

Hi everyone! I've been meaning to come back for a while to give an update on how Lacy's surgery at UT went, I just haven't gotten around to it. It took us about 13 hours total to drive down to Knoxville from Maryland, which was pretty painful but we did eventually get there. We stayed at a fairly nice bed and breakfast in the city that took dogs--it wasn't quite what we were expecting, but it was alright. Lacy went in for her scintigraphy and surgery two weeks ago today, and I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff at the small animal clinic at UT Knoxville are. You know it's the right place to be when you're sitting in the waiting room clutching your yorkie among a crowd of half a dozen OTHER yorkies waiting for the same surgery. We met a lot of other wonderful yorkie parents.

Anyway, Lacy's scintigraphy went well and they did find a single, extrahepatic shunt exactly as everyone had been suspecting. She got out of surgery wonderfully, and we got her back to the hotel on Saturday night after her surgery Friday morning. She was pretty perky considering she had just gotten surgery. She was in a little bit of pain for a few days, but got better pretty quickly. Now, we're home and she is two weeks out of surgery and doing very well. She did vomit a couple of times a few days ago, and an emergency vet at UT called us right back and said that was probably okay as long as she was eating alright. For anyone else who has been through this with their yorkie--about how long is the rest/recovery period? Lacy is feeling really cooped up because we're trying to keep her physical activity down, but for how long is this necessary? How long before she can chase after her toys again, or have a bath (she really needs it)? Go down stairs? Thank you all so much for your support, and I'll let you know how Lacy's is doing as the weeks go by. We're hoping for a totally happy, healthy dog--and boy will she be happy to get ground beef again in a few months if she can go back to her regular diet!

I attached a couple of pics--the first is Lacy right after we got her home, with the view from our balcony at the bed and breakfast in Knoxville--just 36 hours after surgery! The next is her the next day, on our drive back when we stopped at a state park in Virginia for lunch. She's wearing a shirt to protect the incision.

[Wylie's Mom]

She is such a little peanut, so cute. It sounds like she did just great for the surgery, what a relief for you. I hope everything continues to go well!

As for recovery, I'm sure one of the others whose yorkie has been through this will share some thoughts.

[harleyyorkie]

I'm so glad to hear the surgery was successful, great news! She sure is a cutie pie!

[cynsir]

Yeah! So glad to hear the surgery went well and Ms Lacy is back at home. Regarding her freedom, I would just start letting her do things. These dogs are really smart and usually know their limits. But we are so glad to hear about your little girl being home and healthy.

[itzzbarb]

Darling pictures of your baby. So happy the surgery went well and she is on the mend.

[charly]

Good to hear she had such a successful surgery. She is such a cutie.

[dwerten]

so glad she is doing well

[manina]

Originally Posted by iwannalollipop2

Hi everyone! I've been meaning to come back for a while to give an update on how Lacy's surgery at UT went, I just haven't gotten around to it. It took us about 13 hours total to drive down to Knoxville from Maryland, which was pretty painful but we did eventually get there. We stayed at a fairly nice bed and breakfast in the city that took dogs--it wasn't quite what we were expecting, but it was alright. Lacy went in for her scintigraphy and surgery two weeks ago today, and I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff at the small animal clinic at UT Knoxville are. You know it's the right place to be when you're sitting in the waiting room clutching your yorkie among a crowd of half a dozen OTHER yorkies waiting for the same surgery. We met a lot of other wonderful yorkie parents.

Anyway, Lacy's scintigraphy went well and they did find a single, extrahepatic shunt exactly as everyone had been suspecting. She got out of surgery wonderfully, and we got her back to the hotel on Saturday night after her surgery Friday morning. She was pretty perky considering she had just gotten surgery. She was in a little bit of pain for a few days, but got better pretty quickly. Now, we're home and she is two weeks out of surgery and doing very well. She did vomit a couple of times a few days ago, and an emergency vet at UT called us right back and said that was probably okay as long as she was eating alright. For anyone else who has been through this with their yorkie--about how long is the rest/recovery period? Lacy is feeling really cooped up because we're trying to keep her physical activity down, but for how long is this necessary? How long before she can chase after her toys again, or have a bath (she really needs it)? Go down stairs? Thank you all so much for your support, and I'll let you know how Lacy's is doing as the weeks go by. We're hoping for a totally happy, healthy dog--and boy will she be happy to get ground beef again in a few months if she can go back to her regular diet!

I attached a couple of pics--the first is Lacy right after we got her home, with the view from our balcony at the bed and breakfast in Knoxville--just 36 hours after surgery! The next is her the next day, on our drive back when we stopped at a state park in Virginia for lunch. She's wearing a shirt to protect the incision.

She is a cutie, Happy to hear she is doing well after her surgery.
I also love her bag in gray , I have the same one in red ,but need to replace.
have a great healthy life.
bark@ulater!!!
manina,miley,max

[Lolasmom1211]

I've just seen your post this morning. I was told by UT not to let Lola run at all for 2 weeks post op, because the ring could come loose. I know that others were told 6-8 weeks. It was very hard as soon as she started feeling better to keep her from running. I tried to keep her from playing hard even longer than that. Lola has never been a jumper, so that was not a problem. I think thay gave me all of that info on her discharge papers and I know I called Sue with several question after we were home. I think I waited 3-4 weeks to give her a bath. I'm so happy Lacy is doing well - she looks absolutely beautiful! Give her a sweet Yorkie kiss from all of us!

[iwannalollipop2]

Yeah lately it's been REALLY hard to keep her from running around, but we figure she's almost 4 weeks out of surgery so its unlikely she can really do much damage anyway. If she really wants to tear around this house, is this okay or should she still be restricted? We still have her on a no stairs/jumping policy. She's pretty much back to normal now, except for the odd sick day when she's a little more tired than usual. And her incision is almost invisible--you can't see it unless you know its there. Incredible. We're just counting down the days to the three month liver function test!

[Lolasmom1211]

Originally Posted by iwannalollipop2

Yeah lately it's been REALLY hard to keep her from running around, but we figure she's almost 4 weeks out of surgery so its unlikely she can really do much damage anyway. If she really wants to tear around this house, is this okay or should she still be restricted? We still have her on a no stairs/jumping policy. She's pretty much back to normal now, except for the odd sick day when she's a little more tired than usual. And her incision is almost invisible--you can't see it unless you know its there. Incredible. We're just counting down the days to the three month liver function test!

I am so glad to see that Lacy is doing so well! I did try to keep Lola somewhat quiet for as long as I could. I know that several people on the Liver Board said 8 weeks, but that seemed almost impossible. I did keep her on a leash outside for 8 weeks becasue we have steps and a large yard with lizards, birds, and squirrels that she loves to chase. I tried to keep her from playing rough with her "brother" because the thought of the ring "kinking" and having to go back and doing the surgery all over again made me cringe! BUT...with all of that being said, it was very difficult after the first couple of weeks to keep her quiet because she felt so much better. I think if you can keep her from jumping and really running and playing hard, you'll be doing great! ~~~ Valerie, "Lola & Harley"

[Mom to Hot Rod]

I am happy to hear that she doing well after her surgery. You must be so relieved.

[kjc]

She's looking great! I would call them if it's not listed on her discharge papers. They'd rather you call than assume, and have her need to go back into surgery. Good luck with her and definitely keep us updated!