Spike's Liver Shunt Surgery at UGA

The little guy is really a fighter. He is gobbling his food -- so much growing to make up for! Medications 3 times a day like a champ -- anti-seizure, stool softener, and antibiotic. His foster dad is working hard to give him his chance -- all those syringes to get his meds in!
But through it all, he gives kisses, plays like a maniac, and then passes out hard like a normal puppy does.
His surgery was a tiny bit less than estimated, so I've updated the chipin total.
It is so wonderful to get the chance to give Spike HIS chance! But we have to pay the bills, and keep going with our other dogs too.

I am so excited to go and get Spike tonight and take him to the foster home who has agreed to care for him through his 3-month recuperation. Can't wait to see him looking like a "relatively normal" puppy! He will spend 3 months on a special low-protein liver food, while the ring around his shunt slowly closes. He also has anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, and a med to keep things "flowing" digestively. After the 3 months, he will begin to wean off the medications and try "normal" protein food. That sweet boy only weighs 5 pounds at 4 months of age! He looks half that! The vet student says this must be the best he has ever felt in his life. Before, whenever he ate, waste products would flood his system, causing neurological symptoms (since his liver filtration was being bypassed). Now, with the low-protein food and that extra vessel closing off, he can eat and eat like a normal puppy aso he can grow up! Thanks to all of you for your support. We still need a lot of help with his bills, but Spike is on his way.

We had to go forward with Spike's surgery to save his life, and we must have faith that the money will come from somewhere. (Maybe here?)
When they got in, they found that he had a simple shunt that was reparable. They put a cellophane ring around that vessel, which will slowly close off over three months. (Otherwise he could go into shock or convulsions.) All signs look good. He is doing better on his low-protein food, and starting to cause trouble for the people taking care of him (like any puppy would!), so I know he is starting to feel his oats again.
Please help with even a $10 donation.

What an amazing little guy. He's 4 months old, but looks about 6 weeks old because his body can't properly process his food. He eats and eats but is slowly starving to death. The vet says it is a liver shunt. If we close that off, his blood will flow through the liver and be processed normally. He is a funny, funny guy and could have a normal life if this is fixed.
Spike is a double dapple dachshund, and MANY of these dogs have congenital issues. They should not be bred. If you like this coloration, get a documented "piebald" (with no dapple parents) instead.