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TLC · 05-12-2008, 09:22 AM

Being that I have 2 that are constantly being BAT - I have to say that 55 is not very high, and an u/s is not 100% accurate. Most are not qualified to read a u/s and even those that are extremely qualified can not say 100% for sure.

Tell us more please? How old is your pup? Does he show any symptoms, and if so, what are they? Has he had his vaccines around the time of BAT, or heartworm meds or flea/tick meds (as these can throw the BAT # off)

My girls first BAT had a post of 100.9 - we did other blood tests and urine tests to see if anything else leaned towards shunt, and all came back fine. We did a u/s that was performed by someone experienced and they saw a normal size liver and a normal shape liver. They did not see a shunt, but they told me that doesn't mean these isn't one (they are not an accurate tool). We change her diet and added supplements to aid in liver repair. We have done about 4 more BATs in the meantime and her post # has come down to the low 60s. I do not want to open her up to do a liver biopsy as that would tell me if she had MVD or a shunt or nothing, and based on what my specialist and my general vet says, they believe she has MVD, based on her test results and based that she doesn't show any classic shunt symptoms.

My boys first BAT was 43 and we didn't do a u/s on him. We did do a full blood panel and urine test and it showed all normal. We have BAT him about 3 times, and his post has come down to 3 - he is also eating a home cooked, low but quality protein diet and I give him supplements to aid in liver repair.

Honestly, I would not JUMP into to a major surgery based on 1 BAT of 55 and and a U/S (when they aren't even guaranteed to be 100% accurate).

I would BAT him again, do a full blood panel, a urinalysis and a coagulation and then go from there. I would also be seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist.

We all want whats best for our babies, but if I were you, I would do a little more testing and research before I open him up for an invasive surgery.

I am here if you need to talk, as there are others who are in the same boat as us.

P.S. I agree that I would NOT give the pup back.

05-12-2008, 09:22 AM	#3
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	Being that I have 2 that are constantly being BAT - I have to say that 55 is not very high, and an u/s is not 100% accurate. Most are not qualified to read a u/s and even those that are extremely qualified can not say 100% for sure. Tell us more please? How old is your pup? Does he show any symptoms, and if so, what are they? Has he had his vaccines around the time of BAT, or heartworm meds or flea/tick meds (as these can throw the BAT # off) My girls first BAT had a post of 100.9 - we did other blood tests and urine tests to see if anything else leaned towards shunt, and all came back fine. We did a u/s that was performed by someone experienced and they saw a normal size liver and a normal shape liver. They did not see a shunt, but they told me that doesn't mean these isn't one (they are not an accurate tool). We change her diet and added supplements to aid in liver repair. We have done about 4 more BATs in the meantime and her post # has come down to the low 60s. I do not want to open her up to do a liver biopsy as that would tell me if she had MVD or a shunt or nothing, and based on what my specialist and my general vet says, they believe she has MVD, based on her test results and based that she doesn't show any classic shunt symptoms. My boys first BAT was 43 and we didn't do a u/s on him. We did do a full blood panel and urine test and it showed all normal. We have BAT him about 3 times, and his post has come down to 3 - he is also eating a home cooked, low but quality protein diet and I give him supplements to aid in liver repair. Honestly, I would not JUMP into to a major surgery based on 1 BAT of 55 and and a U/S (when they aren't even guaranteed to be 100% accurate). I would BAT him again, do a full blood panel, a urinalysis and a coagulation and then go from there. I would also be seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist. We all want whats best for our babies, but if I were you, I would do a little more testing and research before I open him up for an invasive surgery. I am here if you need to talk, as there are others who are in the same boat as us. P.S. I agree that I would NOT give the pup back. __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com Last edited by TLC; 05-12-2008 at 09:27 AM.