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Originally Posted by hnburke  Chauncey weighs about 4.5 lbs. Perhaps he could have shown symptoms earlier but never enough to be concerned. For as long as I can remember he has been a shaker.... in the car and at home he would have episodes but I honestly thought they were from being nervous.
He has had some periods of time where he has throw up... but with two small children he is always getting into more food than he should be eating... so to vomit once and a while was no concern.
I am in a bind b/c I want an answer and want it (yesterday) LOL. If we go for the bile acid test monday.. the vet told me today that the results wont be available until later in the week... they send out the samples. I am not sure I can wait that long since he hasnt really had any great reaction to the meds he is on for liver shunt. So.............. do I take him to emergency care to have them do it and perhaps get an ultrasound..or try to schedule an appt at a more advanced pet hospital on monday where he may be able to have the tests done and more treatment... I wish it werent the weekend.
He is doing "ok" so far today except his legs are giving out when he walks on the hardwood and tile. He seems to be ok on carpet and outside on the cement and grass. He has not had great poops either... i will give him another dose of lactulose. It calls for one to two droppers once to twice a day. perhaps he is scared to go since he cant support himself all that well.
ok thanks for listening... |
They BAT results will take a day or two no matter where you go, so you can't get around that. The u/s is only about 60% accurate is seeing a shunt, however, if the BAT is sky high it may be worth it to do the u/s as a shunt may be seen. A u/s is good to see the size and shape of the liver and if he has any bladder stones, which can go hand in hand with liver issues.
There is no harm in giving a little more lactulose, so you can do that. It does take some time to get that dosage right. You'll know when you are getting it right bc it will be like soft ice cream, and you want him to go at least 2-3 times a day.
My concern right now is that you say he is unstable on his legs at all times???
The shaking, is it like shivers? They say when they shake and shiver (and it is not cold) they are in pain.
Did the Vet say anything about possible Spine issues?
How far are you from Cornell University?