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Originally Posted by nikkijoe A few minutes ago our Vet called to say that Joey ddn't do well with the bile acid test. The next step is for a sonogram and liver biopsy Thursday. The results of the biopsy is to rule out cancer and/or chronic hepatis A. He has never been on any medications in the past. |
What were his bile acid numbers?......sometimes knowing the number pre and post helps to determine the severity of the disease. Normally one is advised to wait three or four weeks and retest....but since his ALT was up a year ago....you probably do need to do further testing. BUT please seek the advice of a board certified vet surgeon or an internal/soft tissue specialist. the results of the sonogram highly depend on the expertise of the sono reader. Usually what is recomended is a stinagraphy. (sp)....an external shunt can easily be seen....BEFORE the dog faces major surgery.
a few... excellent clinics to take him to.....the Univ of Tenn, Texas A&M (both places excel in shunt care), there is a speciality clinic in Dallas.....ask for a Dr. Barnnard and there is an excellant speciality vet clinic in Atlanta, GA (I do not have the name handy but can find it)
Personally I would not advise a liver biospy unless it was a board certified surgeon or soft tissue expert. These guys do hundreds of this type surgery. This is my humble opinion for the very best outcome.
Also your Yorkie will feel much better if you get him off protein ASAP.....he needs to be fed Hill's Science Diet L/d or K/d...canned and/or dry kibble....this food is prescribed by your vet.....ask him...it is very low in protein. Also he may need an antibotic for any toxins built up in his intestines.....he will feel so much better in just a few days. If he has an external shunt....he has a 95% chance of complete cure with surgery. If he has MVD/HVD (many smaller shunts inside the liver) then he will be treated with diet and meds for his lifetime.....many of the MVD/HVD dogs live a nearly normal long life....with proper care. Good luck.
D