[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

That is great.

I do not understand why a blood panel is being recommended though.
So we shouldn't take blood for a bile acid test because it is too risky but we should take it for a blood panel that is going to give use less information about the liver?

A blood panel is a good tool but the bile acid test is much more likely to indicate a problem with liver function. Ultimately both should be done but since that is too much blood to be taking, I would really hesitate to just do a general panel. I think a specialist could best decide which way to go here.

A/D shouldn't be given to any dog suspected of having liver problems.
I'm not saying to stop using it because your vet gave it to you but I would talk to them about switching to something else. That much protein and those ingredients are not okay until liver problems are ruled out.

And just because symptoms go away doesn't mean they can't return.
If drugs/vaccines were given it could've brought out symptoms that have since went away because the body has processed the toxins now...

So while it is very likely that your pup doesn't have liver issues at all, I'd be very careful until I knew for sure.

I feel like incorrect information is being given regarding doing a blood panel instead of a BAT if liver issues are truly suspected. A blood draw is a blood draw...no more safer to take a blood draw for a blood panel than a BAT...and honestly, the risk from a blood draw is very low. If a dog is sick with no specific issues suspected, go for the full blood panel. But if specific liver shunt symptoms were showing up, then a BAT is in order to get the best idea of what's going on.