High BAT and Crohn's questions-- - YorkieTalk.com Forums

belindaY · 06-20-2008, 10:35 AM

Is there anything other than liver shunt that could cause Bile Acids to be very high--200 range. The particular dog I have in mind has also been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Is there a relationship between L/S and Crohn's? What causes Crohn's?

yorkieusa · 06-20-2008, 10:44 AM

I can't help, but I'm hoping someone else can. I'm sorry and wishing you luck. You might also try googling the question for canines and see if you find anything that might help. I am always doing that.

Ellie May · 06-20-2008, 10:48 AM

Yes, BA can be up even if there is no shunt.
Being that high though, I would guess it is LS or maybe MVD.
What are the symptoms and what other testing has been done?

bchgirl · 06-20-2008, 10:50 AM

Elevated levels found in a bile acid test simply means there is a problem with liver function.

Crohn's disease can lead to inflammation of the liver. So it's possible there is a connection...but further testing would be needed to determine whether it's a shunt.

belindaY · 06-20-2008, 11:23 AM

What I've been told is this is a 2 1/2 year old that suddenly started having diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Blood panel led to high BAT. Regular vet and internist both agreed it looks like liver shunt but they don't want to do a biopsy because of the dog's size (6 lbs). I don't get that. As far as I know the l/s diagnosis is based on the high bat and symptoms, with no further testing. The dog is now on meds and diet and 6 months after the l/s diagnosis the additional diagnosis of Crohn's has been made. I've also read that intestinal disorders can cause liver irritation and subsequent high BAT, so I'm trying to follow what's going on but the story looks incomplete to me.

Ellie May · 06-20-2008, 12:11 PM

Ellie is a little bit smaller than that and had a biopsy.
I'm not sure I'd do one if they aren't needing to go in for something else though.

Have they considered a Protein C test or do they feel that that would be inconclusive? How about a scintography and if that comes back normal just treat for MVD?

Yorkieluv · 06-20-2008, 12:18 PM

Yes, Crohn's can have an effect on the liver as stated before. Those BAT numbers are pretty high. Do you have the blood panel results?

06-20-2008, 10:35 AM	#1
belindaY Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: redmond Posts: 107	High BAT and Crohn's questions-- Is there anything other than liver shunt that could cause Bile Acids to be very high--200 range. The particular dog I have in mind has also been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Is there a relationship between L/S and Crohn's? What causes Crohn's?

06-20-2008, 10:44 AM	#2
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 8,721	I can't help, but I'm hoping someone else can. I'm sorry and wishing you luck. You might also try googling the question for canines and see if you find anything that might help. I am always doing that. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

06-20-2008, 10:48 AM	#3
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,622	Yes, BA can be up even if there is no shunt. Being that high though, I would guess it is LS or maybe MVD. What are the symptoms and what other testing has been done? __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

06-20-2008, 10:50 AM	#4
bchgirl Donating YT 9000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 9,622	Elevated levels found in a bile acid test simply means there is a problem with liver function. Crohn's disease can lead to inflammation of the liver. So it's possible there is a connection...but further testing would be needed to determine whether it's a shunt. __________________ Deb, Ramsey, Reese, Reggie & Trace who watches over us Ramsey 's Bailey

06-20-2008, 11:23 AM	#5
belindaY Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: redmond Posts: 107	Additional info-symptoms What I've been told is this is a 2 1/2 year old that suddenly started having diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Blood panel led to high BAT. Regular vet and internist both agreed it looks like liver shunt but they don't want to do a biopsy because of the dog's size (6 lbs). I don't get that. As far as I know the l/s diagnosis is based on the high bat and symptoms, with no further testing. The dog is now on meds and diet and 6 months after the l/s diagnosis the additional diagnosis of Crohn's has been made. I've also read that intestinal disorders can cause liver irritation and subsequent high BAT, so I'm trying to follow what's going on but the story looks incomplete to me.

06-20-2008, 12:11 PM	#6
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,622	Ellie is a little bit smaller than that and had a biopsy. I'm not sure I'd do one if they aren't needing to go in for something else though. Have they considered a Protein C test or do they feel that that would be inconclusive? How about a scintography and if that comes back normal just treat for MVD? __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

06-20-2008, 12:18 PM	#7
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,745	Yes, Crohn's can have an effect on the liver as stated before. Those BAT numbers are pretty high. Do you have the blood panel results? __________________ Miko 's his Mommy