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Originally Posted by GucciBear  Thank you all for your responses. It makes me feel a little better although still worried. Not sure if a bile acid test was done, but he's due for his ultrasound on Monday. Please keep him in your thoughts. Thanks again,
Kathy |
Why is your vet doing an ultrasound? He should get a bile acids test which is done by two blood draws. Depending on the result, the next step would be a Protein C test. Ultrasounds are not recommended for diagnosing a liver shunt as they can be as low as only 60% accurate, sometimes less. Scintigraphy is much more accurate. You are just wasting your money, especially with an ALT of 97.
Unfortunately, most vets just don't see enough cases to know the protocol for diagnosing and treating liver disease.
Here are a couple of good links for you:
Hepatic Vascular Disorders - WSAVA 2006 Congress PSVA and MVD Research Summary Portosystemic Shunts FAQ