Concern About Blood Test - YorkieTalk.com Forums

nikkijoe · 11-22-2005, 06:07 PM

I am a new member to Yorkie Talk. I am blessed to have two Yorkies Joey and Nikki (brother and sister) that are 8 years old. I took them for their check-ups, vaccinations and pre-dental cleaning blood tests. All was fine except for Joey's liver enzyme result. The ALT was at 194 (should be below 100). I asked and 1 year ago it was at 111.

On Friday he will have a bile acid test. When I talked with the Vet, she mentioned it could be a form of hepatitis. I have researched a lot on the internet and keep seeing referrals to shunts, more than to hepatitis He has absolutely no other symptoms of liver disease (weight loss, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, lethargy, etc) Everything I have read is so negative. I just keep searching for something positive. I asked if it could be diet but their Vet said no.

Has anyone had experience with this? Needless to say, I am very concerned. Hopefully the next time I post it will be to share good news and the loving fun my Joey and Nikki are.

hinten · 11-22-2005, 06:08 PM

I am not sure about any of that. Someone here should know something about it. Good Luck!! I hope everything is ok.

catnayl · 11-26-2005, 12:21 PM

was your dog on medication such as phenobarbital,etc.my yorky was on this med for years . he developes cirrhosis of the liver .the liver was huge according to the vet school hospital at university of tenn.liver tests off the chart. so many things can affect the liver since a lot of meds and other substances are metabolized by the liver.he did pass away there because of complete liver failure.he was 9. cathy and yoshi

nikkijoe · 11-26-2005, 12:46 PM

A few minutes ago our Vet called to say that Joey ddn't do well with the bile acid test. The next step is for a sonogram and liver biopsy Thursday. The results of the biopsy is to rule out cancer and/or chronic hepatis A.

He has never been on any medications in the past.

SnowWa · 11-26-2005, 01:17 PM

Sounds like you're like me --- you start reading about something and before long you've read things that scare you to death. Happens to me every time.

Don't borrow trouble. You haven't learned yet exactly what is wrong. Hope for the best and work with your vet. I am sure there are many things that might cause his problem -- some serious, and some not as serious.

I have been through several very serious lab-type-blood problems with my dogs (very near death) and thankfully, they fully recovered.

It is certainly scary and worrisome. I won't tell you not to worry, but hopefully (and it is possible) everything will work out well.

Good luck - keep in touch with all of us - Carol Jean

YorkyKids · 11-26-2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkijoe

A few minutes ago our Vet called to say that Joey ddn't do well with the bile acid test. The next step is for a sonogram and liver biopsy Thursday. The results of the biopsy is to rule out cancer and/or chronic hepatis A. He has never been on any medications in the past.

What were his bile acid numbers?......sometimes knowing the number pre and post helps to determine the severity of the disease. Normally one is advised to wait three or four weeks and retest....but since his ALT was up a year ago....you probably do need to do further testing. BUT please seek the advice of a board certified vet surgeon or an internal/soft tissue specialist. the results of the sonogram highly depend on the expertise of the sono reader. Usually what is recomended is a stinagraphy. (sp)....an external shunt can easily be seen....BEFORE the dog faces major surgery.
a few... excellent clinics to take him to.....the Univ of Tenn, Texas A&M (both places excel in shunt care), there is a speciality clinic in Dallas.....ask for a Dr. Barnnard and there is an excellant speciality vet clinic in Atlanta, GA (I do not have the name handy but can find it)

Personally I would not advise a liver biospy unless it was a board certified surgeon or soft tissue expert. These guys do hundreds of this type surgery. This is my humble opinion for the very best outcome.

Also your Yorkie will feel much better if you get him off protein ASAP.....he needs to be fed Hill's Science Diet L/d or K/d...canned and/or dry kibble....this food is prescribed by your vet.....ask him...it is very low in protein. Also he may need an antibotic for any toxins built up in his intestines.....he will feel so much better in just a few days. If he has an external shunt....he has a 95% chance of complete cure with surgery. If he has MVD/HVD (many smaller shunts inside the liver) then he will be treated with diet and meds for his lifetime.....many of the MVD/HVD dogs live a nearly normal long life....with proper care. Good luck.
D

11-22-2005, 06:07 PM	#1
nikkijoe Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 2	Concern About Blood Test I am a new member to Yorkie Talk. I am blessed to have two Yorkies Joey and Nikki (brother and sister) that are 8 years old. I took them for their check-ups, vaccinations and pre-dental cleaning blood tests. All was fine except for Joey's liver enzyme result. The ALT was at 194 (should be below 100). I asked and 1 year ago it was at 111. On Friday he will have a bile acid test. When I talked with the Vet, she mentioned it could be a form of hepatitis. I have researched a lot on the internet and keep seeing referrals to shunts, more than to hepatitis He has absolutely no other symptoms of liver disease (weight loss, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, lethargy, etc) Everything I have read is so negative. I just keep searching for something positive. I asked if it could be diet but their Vet said no. Has anyone had experience with this? Needless to say, I am very concerned. Hopefully the next time I post it will be to share good news and the loving fun my Joey and Nikki are.

11-22-2005, 06:08 PM	#2
hinten Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crown Point, IN Posts: 211	I am not sure about any of that. Someone here should know something about it. Good Luck!! I hope everything is ok. __________________ BRIE http://www.dogster.com/?224946

11-26-2005, 12:46 PM	#4
nikkijoe Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 2	Lab Test Results A few minutes ago our Vet called to say that Joey ddn't do well with the bile acid test. The next step is for a sonogram and liver biopsy Thursday. The results of the biopsy is to rule out cancer and/or chronic hepatis A. He has never been on any medications in the past.

11-26-2005, 12:21 PM	#3
catnayl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEWPORT,AR Posts: 158	was your dog on medication such as phenobarbital,etc.my yorky was on this med for years . he developes cirrhosis of the liver .the liver was huge according to the vet school hospital at university of tenn.liver tests off the chart. so many things can affect the liver since a lot of meds and other substances are metabolized by the liver.he did pass away there because of complete liver failure.he was 9. cathy and yoshi

11-26-2005, 01:17 PM	#5
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,991	Sounds like you're like me --- you start reading about something and before long you've read things that scare you to death. Happens to me every time. Don't borrow trouble. You haven't learned yet exactly what is wrong. Hope for the best and work with your vet. I am sure there are many things that might cause his problem -- some serious, and some not as serious. I have been through several very serious lab-type-blood problems with my dogs (very near death) and thankfully, they fully recovered. It is certainly scary and worrisome. I won't tell you not to worry, but hopefully (and it is possible) everything will work out well. Good luck - keep in touch with all of us - Carol Jean