S H O R T Y

June 1987-March 16, 1999 BREED: LABRADOR RETRIEVER AGE AT ONSET OF LP: 11 YEARS AGE AT TIME OF SURGERY: 11 YEARS 5 MONTHS DATE OF SURGERY: NOVEMBER 4, 1998 TYPE OF SURGERY: SINGLE TIE-BACK OWNER: CID MORGAN EMAIL: cmorgan@psci.net

Shorty was originally diagnosed with LP right after her 11th birthday in July of 1998. She was scheduled for a single tie-back procedure in August of 1998 but pre-op blood work revealed extremely high liver enzymes and excess liver bile acids. After much struggle with medications and numerous needle biopsies of her liver, Purdue Small Animal Vet Clinic (associated with Purdue University Vet School) agreed to do a single tie back procedure while doing a  "wedge" biopsy of her liver for analysis and culture. The single tie back procedure and wedge biopsy of her liver was  performed on November 4, 1998. No final "diagnosis" could be determined for her liver, just that it was slightly inflamed and she was producing excess bile acids. The elevated liver enzymes are probably from the inflamation in the liver. After a one week recuperation time, Shorty was put on low doses of prednisone for her liver inflamation and  cholestyramine to bind up her elevated liver bile acids. She is doing wonderfully well post surgery and literally RUNS around the farm now enjoying life to the fullest. The difference pre and post surgery are truly amazing.                                             MARCH 14, 1999 UPDATE          Shorty had to be rushed to an emergency vet clinic on March 14 for emergency surgery to remove her spleen. The  diagnosis is hemangiosarcoma, a particularly virrulent form of cancer. The tumor on her spleen burst and she was bleeding internally. The surgery was successful, however, the long term prognosis is usually not good with this form of cancer.                                            MARCH 16, 1999 UPDATE          It is with a heavy heart that I tell you all that our wonderful "grizzle bear" snuggle pup and labrador extraordinaire Shorty went to the Bridge at 7:15 eastern time tonight. She was having trouble with a high fever and I went to visit her tonight. She was fine when I got there at 7 pm but the minute I went in to see her she went into cardiac arrest. I believe she was just hanging on until I could come in and say goodbye. She died in my arms. I miss you Shorty girl! But I know you are breathing easy playing wrestlemania at the bridge with your mama and your sister. I hope to see you there when I go.                                                                        Cid

1998-2001 LP List

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