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jadecomputergal · 08-14-2008, 07:16 PM

I'm on the opposite side of the country, so I don't have any specific knowledge of the faclilities you mention, but I'd suggest you either go to another vet or take her to the clinic. A porto-systemic shunt cannot be diagnosed with only a BAT. There are typically blood panels done and some sort of sonography (such as an ultrasound).

Just as a warning...the testing itself is very expensive, and the surgery is more so. With surgery, 85% to 95% of dogs can lead a normal life. That depends on the surgery. It's critical that the dog is on a very low protein diet in the interim, because they can't process proteins and it will cause ammonia buildup in their bloodstream. This is a very, very serious condition and you need to get her on a special diet and maintenance meds in the meantime. It can be fatal in a fairly short time, and most dogs that have it and don't have the surgery have to be euthanized within a year.

I'm sorry if I'm sounding like an authority on this, but I kind of am. I have a dog that has one. I've talked to vets and vets and vets, and also spent about 200 hours researching the condition. It isn't something to take lightly.

08-14-2008, 07:16 PM	#3
jadecomputergal Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: West Chester, PA, USA Posts: 323	I'm on the opposite side of the country, so I don't have any specific knowledge of the faclilities you mention, but I'd suggest you either go to another vet or take her to the clinic. A porto-systemic shunt cannot be diagnosed with only a BAT. There are typically blood panels done and some sort of sonography (such as an ultrasound). Just as a warning...the testing itself is very expensive, and the surgery is more so. With surgery, 85% to 95% of dogs can lead a normal life. That depends on the surgery. It's critical that the dog is on a very low protein diet in the interim, because they can't process proteins and it will cause ammonia buildup in their bloodstream. This is a very, very serious condition and you need to get her on a special diet and maintenance meds in the meantime. It can be fatal in a fairly short time, and most dogs that have it and don't have the surgery have to be euthanized within a year. I'm sorry if I'm sounding like an authority on this, but I kind of am. I have a dog that has one. I've talked to vets and vets and vets, and also spent about 200 hours researching the condition. It isn't something to take lightly.