Teddy takes me to Maine

[pkcrossley]

I've finally recovered enough sleep to be able to write out this story for the forum.

I am a bit paranoid about Teddy's shunt, since I can't see it, and I normally gently palpate the back of his head five or six times a day to make sure that the shunt is in place. On Thursday I dropped Teddy when he suddenly scrambled out of my arms as we came back into the house after his dinner walk. I normally have a very tight grip on his harness but somehow he twisted away from me and fell. He got up and was completely himself, but when I felt the back of his head I knew right away that his shunt was not right. It felt like it had separated from the valve by about half an inch. But his behavior was perfectly normal, and I was not entirely sure that I wasn't imagining that the shunt had come apart.

I called the veterinary surgical center in Maine where Teddy had his surgery to implant the shunt in July. The receptionist and then technician suggested that for "peace of mind" I could take him to a local vet for an x-ray, which would show whether the shunt was in place or not. I didn't think this was a good plan. I was pretty sure the shunt was disconnected, and having an x-ray confirming that would not do me any good if there were no surgeon present to do the reattachment. Within a few minutes I bundled Teddy up and headed for Maine. I knew that there was a pressure valve that would prevent Teddy's cerebro-spinal fluid from rushing out, but I did not know how long Teddy would have before he would become symptomatic. We got to the emergency clinic a little before 10, and the emergency room doctor took x-rays that confirmed the disconnect.

The staff was confident that there was no immediate danger. The surgeon who did the operation in July (hereafter the "original surgeon") was off till Monday, but two other surgeons would be in on Friday morning and either should be able to do the procedure. It is not terribly complicated, especially in this case, where the x-ray showed that no parts of the shunt system were actually damaged, the shunt tubing had just pulled away from the valve to which it was supposed to be connected. The doctors felt that even if the surgery were for some reason postponed till Monday, there would still be no danger.

So I unhappily checked Teddy in the for the night, and about 11:30 pm I was heading home, expecting to return the next day for his surgery. But I didn't make more than a few hundred yards before my phone rang. Turns out the original surgeon had come in the back door as I was going out the front. He had some paperwork to do, evidently. He wanted me to come back and talk to him for a few minutes. When we met, he asked about Teddy's progress (A marks) and whether he showed any kinds of symptoms after the fall that could suggest concussion. Nothing of the kind, Teddy's behavior was completely normal. The surgeon said he thought the reconnect would be easy, and he was willing to do it right on the spot. I said I would stay for the surgery. They started the surgery about midnight.

It all went very well, but took a little longer than expected because of scar tissue around the equipment, which the surgeon later told me is normal. All the pieces were intact, they had just separated. The doctors said the separation was probably inevitable, if not now then soon, because of the amount of growing Teddy has done since the surgery. A shunt that is too long has complications of its own, so the surgeon tries to guess how much length to give it. He was pretty close, but Teddy's growth and the way the scar tissue had pulled on the shunt left the thing, in the surgeon's words, "primed" to pull away. The surgeon added a coil to the shunt to give it a little more length and flexibility. They expect that Teddy is likely near the end of his growth (in height and length, anyway), so the likelihood of the fix lasting a long time is great.

After Teddy slept off the anesthetic we left the clinic about 6AM and got home a little before 9AM. He slept peacefully the whole way home, and slept through the morning, but at dinner time he jumped and wanted a whole meal (which he didn't get). Over the weekend he has shown no sign of pain and is perfectly fine, except for being shaved down in a funny pattern (top of the head, back of the neck, and most of his left flank).

As a matter of fact, Teddy seems more than fine. Here I'll quote from my thank-you note to the surgeons:

"Hoping this is not my imagination --Teddy actually seems to be doing better than before the incident that required reattachment of his shunt. He was alert before, but seemed unable to focus on anything for more than a few seconds. The day after his surgery I let him stroll the house, and he very carefully and systematically checked out all the furniture and floor textures, as if making sure everything was as he left it. His concentration when doing this was very impressive. It is hard to describe, but he is definitely able to concentrate much better since the surgery.

He also seems to be awake much more. He was not particularly sleepy before, but he was likely to take long naps in the morning and in the afternoon, and would sleep very soundly. Now he remains alert for much longer periods, and follows the sounds of our movement around the house. He also does not fuss when in his playpen (for protection of his stitches and so on), though before the surgery he would become furious when confined to a pen or crate. He spent the day in his pen playing happily with his toys and taking occasional naps. There seemed also to be a change in the way he plays with his toys. All his soft toys squeak, but previously he did not have much interest in the noise, he just liked shaking them and mouthing them and sleeping with them. Today he was making them all squeak, a lot. It clearly interests him. This is a change.

So, unless it is all my imagination, it seems that you accomplished more than just putting Teddy back together! I am very grateful for your attention. You've done wonderful work with this puppy, more than once!"

I think it is possible that Teddy's shunt was not operating optimally. I know that during the surgery the shunt was injected with saline solution to clean out any gunk or clogs. Somehow or other Teddy has improved in distinct if small ways since the surgery. Either it is a psychological and emotional effect of getting back home after a traumatic interruption, or his shunt is actually working better. Whichever, Teddy is happy and healthy, as he was before, and may be showing some unexpected improvements since the shunt reattachment.

I had lived in some fear of the shunt, knowing that about 50 percent of shunts fail for one reason or another (especially in growing puppies), and not knowing what a worst case scenario would be like. What is reassuring about the episode is that all is manageable. If the shunt fails the puppy does not blow up or fall into a coma. Repairs are possible, and periodic maintenance is probably good (hopefully without a lot of general anesthetic, though). So, all's well that ends well. It turned out to be a bit more of Teddy's amazing luck.

[Nikki]

I am glad everything worked out okay! Teddy is very lucky to such a great momma!

[Sam I Am]

PK, all I can say is that you are an amazing and wonderful person and Teddy is so blessed to have you as his owner. Is it possible to give hugs over the internet?

[Malcolm's Dad]

I'm so glad to hear Teddy is alright. Actually doing better, that's fantastic. PK you are so dedicated to that little dog, bless you.

A friend's son had to have a shunt put in when he was 2 weeks old. Over the years it had to be replaced as he grew. Today he is a healthy, husky 24 year old young man. To him having the shunt replaced was no big deal, just part of growing up.

Thanks for taking the time to tell us about Teddy.

[Autumn & Lola]

This is such wonderful news. I hope Teddy continues to improve and enjoy the wonderful, loving and attentive environment you've provided for him. You are both so fortunate to have each other.

[Zekey's Mom]

I'm so glad you trusted your instincts and drove him to Maine. It was providential that the original surgeon walked back through that door and was willing to do the surgery then and there! And it's even more amazing at Teddy's improved behavior! Your updates about this tough little guy are very inspiring!

[josie&holly]

How wonderful that after your drive to Maine the surgeon walked in and could do the surgery there and then! And even more wonderful how Teddy seems to have improved following this surgery............

I think that Teddy is obviousy a very special pup and he is very blessed in having you as his Mum!

I do enjoy reading the updates about this little dog - please keep them coming.

[bradl]

Even as a bystander I appreciate such thoughtful, informative, and frankly fascinating updates. Very interesting and uplifting.

[tlwtheq]

You and Teddy are blessed to have one another. Thanks for going those

extra miles to ensure his health.

[jimnconnie]

PK, Thank you for the update. How fortunate that you recognized the problem with Teddy's shunt right away, and that you took the necessary action immediately. The fact that Teddy's doctor arrived when he did shows us that the Good Lord is keeping an eye on Teddy too. You are an inspiration to all of us on the Forum, and you set an example that we all should try to follow. Bless you & Teddy both.

Jim

[shergry]

WOW! You were there when Teddy needed you and he is so showing (in his way) gratitude! Showing off for you and in what he focuses on and how he plays! KUDDOS for Teddy and YOU! A start to a new adventure...he could be a very likable character in a children's book. How is Redmond reacting to the new and improved Teddy...little brother growing up! Great instincts to where you needed to take Teddy and not waste time running around...know the feeling when you know something is wrong and knowing where you REALLY need to be. Keep the info coming...love to read all about Teddy and Redmond....and of course the wonderful author of the stories.

[Murphy's Mom]

PK, all I can say is that you are an amazing and wonderful person and Teddy is so blessed to have you as his owner. Is it possible to give hugs over the internet?

+2.....kisses & hugs from Miss Murphy and me.

[pkcrossley]

many thanks to you all for our kind responses. teddy is still doing extremely well. we will go back to maine for a follow-up in april and talk about ways of trying to keep the shunt in optimal condition. but there aren't really a lot of things to do about it. there are so many factors that affect the way the shunt works.

redmon is a cool guy. he looked a bit puzzled when teddy and i left at 7 in the evening and didn't come back till 9 the next morning. he sniffed teddy to make sure it was the same guy (with his bizarre haircut he could have been anybody), and otherwise has had no reaction. teddy has been in his saferooms (the bathrooms) and in his playpen, and will be till he has his stitches out, so they are not spending a lot of time together right now.

[jodi0553]

What a great ending to your story! I am so glad to hear Teddy is well! Keep us updated on his progress - it sounds like there could be significant changes for Teddy in the coming days with the replacement of the shunt. Teddy is so lucky to have you, Redmond and all the other amazing people who have helped him in his life!

[BetsyNoodle]

Have been following these updates and am just so very happy all is going well after Teddy's surgery. I am so thrilled that you have noticed some improvements since the reconnection. Maybe the flushing and clearing of the scar tissue did some good!

[Hawkeye]

PK, It truly is a happy ending to a scary story. Teddy has a special guardian angel looking over him and he is a fighter. As the others have said you are a special person and Teddy if a very fortunate pup.

We love to hear Teddy's updates.