By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Calvin Iwashita, center, and Julie Arigo's Maltese,
Buddy, greet veterinarian, Dr. Patrick Leadbeater.

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Pet set with
lifesaving new ring

Procedure relieves dog's
liver problem

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

After Calvin Iwashita and Julie Arigo spent $1,200 for a male Maltese last year, they quickly fell in love with the puppy they named Buddy.

A couple of months later, they found the animal extremely ill.

"He had lost his eye sight, and he had no motor functions," Iwashita said.

Frantic, the couple called veterinarian Patrick Leadbeater of Kahala Veterinary Hospital. Leadbeater had seen such symptoms of liver problems before. He took blood tests, then injected the 4-month-old dog with intravenous fluids and a medication that helped eliminate life-threatening toxins from Buddy's body. He also put the dog on a low protein diet.

The blood tests confirmed that Buddy had a portosytemic shunt, a damaged blood vessel in the portal system, or veins connecting the liver and the gastrointestinal tract. This congenital condition, also called a liver shunt, is found almost exclusively in small dogs.

The damaged shunt allows blood from the gastrointestinal tract to bypass the liver and go directly into the blood. That means not only does the liver not receive needed nutrients, but the rest of the body is subjected to potentially high levels of toxins that would normally be filtered by the liver.

Indications of the condition are poor growth and such central nervous system problems as intermittent disorientation, pacing, circling, tremors and even seizures.

Previously, treatment had been limited to dietary adjustments and administration of antibiotics. Unfortunately, this doesn't repair the underlying disorder, becomes less effective over time, and usually ends with the early death of the animal.

But a new life-saving surgical procedure used on the mainland since late last year has found its way to Hawaii. Leadbeater pioneered the surgery in January on Buddy.

The procedure involves placing a stainless steel ring with a special lining around the damaged blood vessel. The implant slowly swells, allowing the liver and the portal system to accommodate to blood pressure changes gradually, until the shunt is closed off.

For blood tests, preparatory surgery and X-rays, and installation of the implant the bill is about $3,000.

Fortunately for Buddy, his owners had an insurance policy which covered $2,000 worth of medical costs, and the pet store refunded the couple their $1,200.

Regardless, Iwashita said they "never thought about putting him to sleep."

Buddy remains on a low- protein diet and has gained two pounds since the January operation.

"He seems better than ever and now we know he'll live a long time," Iwashita said.