Quote:
Originally Posted by Sophie Bella  I'm not sure how we're going to do the bile acid test. The emergency vet wrote in the papers that given Sophie's history, it isn't a good idea to fast her for 12 hrs. (we've only had her for 2 wks., but she had a minor episode when we first got her. She was really weak and couldn't stand.... I gave her food, and within 5 minutes, she was fine again). She just really needs to eat. Hmmm.... what to do. |
The bile acid test was developed at Cornell by Dr. Center. She wrote the initial protocol which called for twelve hour fasting, but have since updated it:
Taken from Page 5 of Dr. Center's handout at her recent seminar:
"7. Random "Fasting" Bile Acids ARE NOT reliable for RULING OUT liver dysfunction or abnormal portal circulation. Rather, you need PAIRED SAMPLES AROUND A MEAL. We no longer collect 12-hr fasting bile acids but instead collect a bile acid sample before a meal (pre-meal) and 2 hours after a meal (post-meal or postprandial)." (all emphasis was added by Dr. Center)
Please don't waste precious time or money on the outdated test or a urine bile acids test. If you follow Dr. Center's current protocol, it will be safe for Sophie since fasting is no longer required.