Liam and Nyla

Hello Friends and Family,

My son Liam Ross (age 21) and his fur baby, Nyla (she just turned 1) could use some help. Several months ago, it was discovered that Nyla had an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. A liver shunt in dogs is a congenital condition in which veins that should carry blood to the liver bypass the liver through an abnormal vessel. This allows blood to enter the body without undergoing the liver's filtration process to remove toxins, medications, and wastes from the blood. It also prevents the absorption of critical nutrients that would normally occur in the liver intestines.

Nyla has struggled with health issues this year because of her condition and is on multiple medications. At 6 months old, she became very lethargic and confused and was rushed to the Univ of Minnesota Vet Center. She spent the night and next day in the ICU where she was diagnosed with the shunt. It was recommended that Nyla have surgery to correct the problem. Her prognosis was poor without it.

Nyla had surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Vet Center on Feb 8, 2023, with no complications. The vet performed a coil embolization of Nyla's intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. As you can imagine, surgery was expensive and a hardship for Liam. The total cost for surgery was $8,019.88. He secured immediate funds for the surgery but now must pay his loan back. He has already spent thousands of dollars on testing, medications, special diet and medical maintenance for Nyla’s condition. And, Nyla will need continued blood tests to check bile acid numbers along with medications and a special diet.

Liam is such a good kid and worked so hard to get Nyla, they are inseparable. It’s been a struggle watching him go through this. The fear of losing her, along with the expense of saving her, has been overwhelming for our family. If you’re able to help Liam in any way, it would be so appreciated. Thank you.