Friday, May 30, 2008

Update

I spoke with the Dr. Ducote's staff about price. It will be 2,000-2,500 for a re-install of the shunt and 3,000-3,500 for a whole new one. Unfortunatly, this is only the 2nd time in her career this has happened, so she can't explain it. The only thing it could be is that as she has grown and her shunt did not pull as it should have as she grew. I have started her on steroids, this is meant to reduce the fluid build up and hopefully make her comfortable, but this is short term only. Not getting the surgery in not an option for me. She has done sooo well after her first surgery and she is a very happy dog. The past few days she has been the "old Baby Love" and I just hate it. She can't run and play like she used to, she gets confused easily, she is cranky and eating & drinking takes effort. I added canned food to her diet so she can try to keep some weight on during this waiting period. So the plan it to use the steroids and hope they serve their purpose, save some money and plan to do the surgery late summer, early fall (hopefully sooner). In the mean time I am debating my options. The re-install is cheaper but is not guranteed they won't have to replace the shunt. It also comes with a higher risk of infection. The all new shunt surgery is the ideal way to go but is more expensive.
I really appreciate you all checking in and leaving comments. I love reading them. She and I will get through this, it just will take some time and money.
Also, I will post that "awesome" video of her soon, it was her best grass hunting expedition yet and it was just before the shunt started having issues.

12 comments:

Ruby Bleu said...

Please hang in there...I would love to donate something to help get you there sooner. Baby Love is so special. Let us know...

Michele & Ruby

Mack said...

I would love to donate something too. I just know she is gonna be okay!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I might be a Sibe but I'm in agreement with the BBD's -

I'd like to help too -

I really think you trust your instinkht and spend the extra due to the long term benefits -

Khan't wait to see the video!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Amber-Mae said...

I'd love to help too but it's just that my mommy doesn't all that much money to donate. She even has difficulties helping to pay the bills. Maybe she should work full time instead of part time. Hehe! Well, all I can do for you is just hope for the best.

Butt shakes,
Solid Gold Dancer

Katherine and Pippa said...

Sending good vibes to you Baby Love.

So sad to hear about your set-back after you have done so well since your early days.

Pippa

Lacy said...

w00f's BL... me will donate too, we did the first time and we will this time...poor baby girl, she wuz doing so good...

b safe and git well BL...
rocky
bear and
angel lacylulu ;(
and mama..

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

Hang in there Baby Love - we are sending lots of love your way.

Hugs to your mum too - we know how rough this can be.

Love
Opy and family

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oh, Baby Love, you're having a rough time of it. We wish we had money to donate but Jan won't give us an allowance and she doesn't have any green papers we can "borrow." But we do send warm, healing purrs and wagging tails your way.

Are you really Louie's sister?

Southbaygirl said...

Hi Baby Love, my mommy has posted Baby Love's story on her running blog so maybe her running blog friends can donate money as well. Mom is very concerned and wants to do as much as possible for Baby Love-I think she really loves Cattle Dogs!!!

Hang in there!!! We are thinking of you!!!

velcro and Mom

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

Poor Baby Love. I'm so sorry you have to have surgery again. Velcro did a post about what has happened & I will get the Mommy to do one to. The Mommy will send a check today after she's pays bills.

Please be brave. God Bless you and keep you in the palm of his mighty hands.

Mona & the Mommy too!

Asta said...

Hi I came by to wish you and Baby Love well..I will cwoss my paws and pway fow you...I hope the dogtows can do the best opewation possible
love and smoochie kisses
ASTA

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

We'll keep Baby Love in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!

Levi's mom