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Old 09-28-2011, 01:37 PM   #1
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Default liver shunt? help please!

Let me start out by saying this whole situation has me so confused! Two days ago me and Burton woke up like any other morning, he went outside pooped, peed, and then wasn't too interested in breakfast (he usually eats 2-3hrs after waking up). Anyway, after that I was sitting on the couch and he was sleeping on my lap he then got up and walked to the edge of the couch and fell off. I immediately went to make sure he was ok and he walked like he was off balance, but about 5 seconds later he was back to his crazy self. My first thought was that his blood sugar was low so I gave him some nutra-cal and called the vet. I was freaked out and my vet wasn't available so I went to another vet's office. Long story short he had a blood panel done and Burt's liver enzyme was 103 (I was told it should be around a 10). This vet wants me to come back on monday to have a bile acid test done because he thinks Burt has a portosystemic liver shunt. I have been researching portosystemic shunts and he has not a single system (he's a crazy little guy! tons of energy, loves to eat, etc.) I just think this is so odd and I have a hard time believing it. I just started giving him a low protein diet just in case but what would you do?

Background:
Burton is 5.5lbs and is slightly chunky. He will be 3 in January and came from a reputable breeder. I called the breeder to see what she thinks but she is on vacation until next week. I'm 8 months pregnant and just purchased a house, so I want my dog to be healthy but I don't have a ton of money to be getting multiple vet opinions. This dog is a child to me and I would do anything for him but this just has me stumped!
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Old 09-28-2011, 10:54 PM   #2
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Welcome to YT & I'm sorry your pup is having troubles. Even though he's never been sick , he could have a liver shunt as they can pop up at any time. Having his bile acids checked can tell allot. There are other things that can cause liver tests to be off too so hopefully maybe it's not too serious. I will be looking for an update & hoping for good news for you and your little guy. I would assume that your vet ruled out any ear problems as that can cause dizziness as well.
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Old 09-29-2011, 06:27 AM   #3
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His ears are fine and he will be having his bile acid test on monday morning. He was on a high protein diet so I'm hoping that was the reason Burt's liver enzyme was so high. I will get a second opinion if his bile acid test is off. I feel like I get robbed every time I walk into the vet!
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Old 09-30-2011, 04:38 PM   #4
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Hope that the bile acids test comes out ok. A high protein diet could raise the numbers a bit.

Lucy's were mildly high and we adjusted her food (no more high protein) and re-tested in 30 days. They had lowered a good bit - but still mildly high.

Her numbers are low enough that she can be managed with a lower protein diet; nothing drastic.

Keep us posted when you get the results. Good Luck.
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Old 10-02-2011, 05:53 AM   #5
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I JUST went through this with my little girl last week. I can sympathize with how you're feeling plus some since you're also going through a lot of excitement personally with your pregnancy and the house!

My advice to you would be go to a vet that you TRUST. I am currently living out of state and brought my little girl to an emergency center who completely misled me. I brought her to a trusted vet in my home state two days later (the initial incident was on a Saturday so I brought her Monday morning) where he re-ran lab work and performed an ultrasound only to find out that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with her liver. Wishing all the best for you and your little guy!
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Old 10-02-2011, 10:50 AM   #6
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Thanks! I think his liver enzyme might be elevated from the protein but I'm really thinking with a number that high, that this test is a lab error. Tomorrow he will have his bile acid test and we will have a better idea of what is going on. He seems to be completely healthy and we haven't had any more incidents. I have a feeling in my gut that he is just fine (I hope it's true!). I will update when we have the results!
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Old 10-05-2011, 06:33 AM   #7
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Default Liver Shunts

I posted two replies but the disappear am I doing something wrong
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Old 10-05-2011, 06:42 AM   #8
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Default My Little Buddy has Liver Shunts

Very scary but if you watch them closely and feed them the right foods they should be ok but my Buddy seems to get sick every few weeks. You can tell he is not feeling well from the look in his eyes and his fur gets flat and he licks constantly, his own mouth and me too. He vomits and sleeps and wont eat. We give him nutracal and eyedroppers of water to make sure he is hydrated. Buddy seems to know what and when he can eat and so I let him dictate what he eats. One day he loves his apples and strawberries the next nothing but chicken. Food effects him, too much sugar he is crazy, too much protein also crazy. The vet seems to tell us what not to do but not what is good for him. Buddy is 7 months now and only had the one seizure at about 6 wks old. His bile acids were over 240. My vet says this is very common in Yorkies but every one I meet says not so. He says that many Yorkies have this and owners dont know it for some time unless they have a seizure or get sick. They can one liver shunt or many and they can be inside the liver or outside the liver. I have read alot of information about this but it is not always clear and it is confusing. I just know my Buddy and watch him for any signs of him not feeling well. Good luck and hope I helped.
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Old 10-07-2011, 04:56 AM   #9
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Default my tazzie has a liver shunt

Hi everyone and thanks for the prayers for Tazzie. I got his blood work back tues. They came back bad, doc said he thought he had a liver shunt. I took him yesterday for a ultrsound and it was conformed he does. Now i need any info or information about surgery that anyone has for me. My vet recomommed university of ohio state but i have been seeing that everyone is having good luck with tenn. ???? I know it cost alot but can some of you who has had this done give me $ amount that youv paid lately and where you went. Thanks
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Old 10-07-2011, 05:17 AM   #10
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I am so very sorry to hear about Tazzie. Unfortunately I don't have any advice but please know that we are thinking of Tazzie and you, and hoping he pulls through and gets better soon.
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Old 10-07-2011, 05:43 AM   #11
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I took my little one to University of TN for liver shunt surgery and she is doing great. I took her in 3/2009 and the surgery was about $1800. That also included the scintigraphy (which is more conclusive than ultrasound), having her baby teeth removed, having her spayed, and having the shunt repaired. It was much, much less than anywhere in Texas and I felt much more comfortable having Dr. Tobias do the surgery since they do so many of these each day. Their post op care was fantastic. If your baby has a liver shunt, it is a miserable way to live becasue the toxins in their blood make them sick each day. That is why they throw up and refuse food...you see an immediate improvement after sugery. Good luck to you and your little one.
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Old 10-07-2011, 06:07 AM   #12
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Sorry to hear about your pups diagnosis. I do believe the best place is the University of TN for this procedure.
Best wishes & prayers.
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