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09-05-2006, 06:04 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Grand Prairie
Posts: 19
| All symptoms of Liver Shunt - but negative Hi there! First off, I live and breathe my yorkie!! He is my sunshine, he makes me smile everytime I look at him. I am eat up with this dog! I don't care what anyone thinks! I am sure everyone else feels the way I do!! Ok so to start, I too, am new to the forums, have been reading for months, just never posted. Mostly got ideas and good informative info, but now I need someone to help me. Is there ANYONE out there that has experience my sweet baby's problem. We have had 2 Bile Acid test done from our local vet, which she said both times she shows high percentages of Liver Shunt. SO my vet then refers us to this Radiology clinic where they do all sorts of test like the liver shunts and etc, and the test to our amazement came out negative for liver shunt!! Now, my problem starts all over. He stargazes, runs with his tail between is legs and just falls to lick himself in his privates CONSTANTLY, he rubs his head on the couches like a cat would, and what's weird is, on Aug 17th I gave Aidan is heartguard, which never phased him before, he went into a complete different world about 2 hours later. Disorientation, spaceyness, didn't know who were were , etc - He used to sleep with us, but now he feels comfort under the bed, instead of being stuck to me like glue on my back. I miss THAT MOST OF ALL! He used to cuddle, but has no part in it now.... SO that is why we got the test above ruled out. I can't for the life of me figure this one out, nor can the vets. We have an appt with the neurologist this week, and I hope she can tell us what's wrong. My local vet seems to think he may have something wrong with his BRAIN!! I am so torn about this, it breaks my heart into millions of peices. He just doesn't act like his playful sweet self anymore. Any ideas??? Please?? |
Welcome Guest! | |
09-05-2006, 06:20 PM | #2 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 118
| omigosh, i hate to respond without knowing anything, but please do keep us posted and let us know.....that is very scary! |
09-05-2006, 06:25 PM | #3 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Grand Prairie
Posts: 19
| Thank you. I am scared of out my mind. Each day he gets worse and worse. He is now stargazing every 15 minutes or so if he's not sleeping. He doesn't even come to us anymore, and goes straight to his kennel. Seems he gets worse at night more than anything. This is just breaking my heart, to the point where I am just crying out of the blue because I don't know what he is feeling. |
09-05-2006, 06:30 PM | #4 |
Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas
Posts: 21,173
| I know how hard it is, but do try to be optimistic. There is a lot of medicine out there these days to treat neuroses. It happens. Just like people. But it may not be permanent, either. That's why I say to try to be optimistic. Let us know how it goes, will you?
__________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel |
09-05-2006, 06:31 PM | #5 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama
Posts: 17,674
| Liver shunts can be very difficult to "see". I would recommend contacting Dr. Karen Tobias. This website provides a multitude of info.... http://www.yorkielane.com/LiverShunt/ I had questions about a dog once and I emailed Dr. Tobias. She returned my email within 24 hours. Good luck and please keep us updated on your little one! |
09-05-2006, 06:41 PM | #6 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois
Posts: 837
| Sending prayers up for your baby!
__________________ Ladyt (Tammy) & Kiki There has to be a God, because he made Yorkies! |
09-05-2006, 07:36 PM | #7 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,394
| I would wonder about an allergic reaction to the heartguard. They rub the face, lick, stratch,..etc. I would ask about changing him to a different heartworm protection. More Information on Heartgard Tabs Generic Name Ivermectin (eye-ver-mek’-tin) Brand Name(s) Heartgard (Merial), Heartgard Plus (Merial) What is this medication used for Heartgard is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Heartgard is also used for the control of hookworm in cats. Combined with pyrantel pamoate (Heartgard Plus), it also protects against hookworm and roundworm in dogs. Availability Heartgard is available by prescription as unflavored tablets and flavored chewable tablets. Heartgard Plus is available as flavored chewable tablets How this medicine should be used Heartgard is given once a month year round for the prevention of heartworm disease. The usual dose of Heartgard in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg, for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg and for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given a combination of tablets. The usual dose of Heartgard in cats 5 pounds or less is 55mcg and for cats 6-15 pounds is 165mcg. The chewable tablets should be chewed. They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends. What are the side effects The side effects of Heartgard are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation. What special precautions are there This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Because humans can contract hookworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended. In the event of an overdose Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination in dogs. The symptoms of overdose in cats may include disorientation, tremors, incoordination, and blindness. How should I store this medication Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets. This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies |
09-05-2006, 07:47 PM | #8 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,394
| Here is also a link to shunt and seizure info.. http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-...m/site_map.htm PORTO SYSTEMIC SHUNTS CAN CAUSE SEIZURES IN DOGS Porto Systemic Shunts (also known as Portacaval Shunts) are abnormal communications between the portal vein coming from the gastrointestinal tract and the posterior vena cava, which carries blood back to the heart. The communications are normally present during fetal life and then close off shortly after birth. When the communications fail to close properly, the vessels serve as shunts so that portal blood flow does not pass through the liver for detoxification before being delivered to the rest of the body. Most Porto Systemic shunts are congenital, that is, present at birth. In some cases, an acquired Porto Systemic shunt can develop secondary to an underlying liver disease. Congenital Porto Systemic shunts are most common in Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Cairn Terriers, and Old English Sheepdog, but any breed can be affected. |
09-05-2006, 08:03 PM | #9 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Grand Prairie
Posts: 19
| I have mentioned the Heartguard to the vet numerous times, but she doesn't think that the medicine has anything to do with Aidan's behavior. She thought that it was the protein that was effecting his moods or episodes as we call it. I am very familiar with what shunts are. I have done more research than you can imagine along with my husband taking turns researching, I have had our vet consult us on the liver shunt and as I mentioned before we have had 2 tests done, and also taking Aidan to the Animal Radiology Clinic in Dallas, where they did a "NucMed Portal Scan" Basically the "Yes" "No" test, If he has it or not. The test came back today after he had to be there all day, and the specialist there called us and stated it was DEFINITLEY not a liver shunt, so I have no idea what else to research. |
09-05-2006, 08:15 PM | #10 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Grand Prairie
Posts: 19
| Let me also bring up the fact that in the heartguard posting, that he did have a MAJOR episode where it scared us to death. All the symptoms listed is what he experienced. Does anyone know how long the heartguard stays in the system? Monthly? I will NOT be giving him any more until this is all cleared up. He was showing light signs of the shunt before the HG, but then after his monthly dose (which I might add he has been taking since a little puppy) he totally reacted in such a different way. |
09-05-2006, 08:18 PM | #11 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Grand Prairie
Posts: 19
| Thank you all for throwing the ideas out there. You have me and my husbands attention on this. This has caused suffering in my family. I had to rush my husband to the emergency room last Thursday night because when he saw Aidan licking at nothing (in the air like a lizard) it threw my husband in what he thought was a mild heartattack, ended up being a major panic attack. He had to go through all the blood testing and Xrays. This is how much this little angel means to us. If that's not love.. I don't know what is. |
09-05-2006, 09:07 PM | #12 |
Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 163
| It might be MVD microvascular dysplasia all the symptoms of liver shunt but it's not a shunt, it's usually treated non surgically with a low protein prescription diet. The only way to know for sure whether a dog has a shunt or issues with the liver is through surgery. If he isn't neutered yet a specialist can perform a liver biopsy at the same time.
__________________ Jessica & Nyx |
09-05-2006, 09:41 PM | #13 |
Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas
Posts: 21,173
| Anyone know anything about insulinoma? I saw somewhere symptoms of this that sounded similar to what she has been describing.
__________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel |
09-06-2006, 12:35 AM | #14 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Essex, England
Posts: 156
| "What are the symptoms of insulinoma? Symptoms of insulinoma may include dizziness, disorientation and weight gain — often patients feel better after they eat, and so eat more frequently. Eighty-five percent of patients have blurred vision, palpitations, sweating and weakness, as hypoglycaemia produces adrenaline which causes these effects. Seizures are not uncommon. The lack of food to the brain results in the signs seen which usually are periodic (they come and go on their own). The early signs are: depression, lethargy, blankly staring with poor response to sound or touch, salivating and pawing at the mouth (because they are nauseated), and periodic weakness, especially of the hind quarters." Don't know if that helps atall??? I would get him in to see a veterinary neurologist as soon as possible as they will be able to see if there are any 'brain' problems. The sooner they find what it could be and treat him sooner you get yr furbaby back to normal. He's got the best mum and dad ever you'll sort it together
__________________ Lyn & Buddy |
09-06-2006, 02:38 AM | #15 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Virginia
Posts: 800
| Syringomyelia??? Have you ever heard of syringomyelia? This has a lot of symptoms that you are seeing - esp. the face rubbing. Here is a site that explains it much better than I could. It is very common in Cavalier king charles spanials also a toy breed and is in a number of small breeds. It usually starts to become evident between 2 and 3 years. It is treatable with medication and surgery is coming along. It is basically a malformation in the occipital bone of the skull and spinal fluid builds and causes the symptoms. Does he scratch a lot when he is wearing a collar or do you always have him in a harness? I hope he is just allergic to the HG but this is also something to consider. I will see what other info I can get for you. Prayers are with you and your family! information site: htttp://sm.cavaliertalk.com. Also Cavaliertalk.com has ALOT of info. The appointment with your neurologist is a great starting place and they could tell you if this is a possibility. |
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