I am happy to report that sweet Niko is out of surgery and is recovering in ICU.  He is still knocked out from the anesthesia and is bundled up with extra heat since his body is cold from the surgery.  Dr. Bergman chose to operate on Niko last so he would have several other surgeons available if he ran into complications re-routing the shunt line.  

We have all been holding our breath all day for this sweet little pup.  After opening Niko up, it was discovered that Niko was allergic to the silk suture material that was used to tack the line to the stomach wall.   The skin around the area had swollen and caused the suture to get so tight that it cut off the flow of fluid from the brain.   An adhesion had formed around the suture that had locked it into place.  Fluid has been backing up, and pressure was increasing in his brain over the last week.   The condition he had now was similar to the condition he had originally.  

Niko is still in ICU critical care and will be for the next week.  The Doctors have to make sure the drain line remains open, and that he starts to respond appropriately  after his procedure.  Dr. Bergman hopes he will start to come around and be more like his normal self in the next five days.  Please, keep our dear boy in your prayers.   He is such a fragile baby that doesn't even weigh a pound.   

We have only gotten a few donations and are in desperate need since he will have to remain in ICU for the next week.   If you can't donate, please share his story with your Friends.   It is a Miracle that Niko is still alive.   He has a strong will to live as you can see from his videos.   Thanks for caring and helping us save his Life.