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Originally Posted by Bitsy  Thank you all so much. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have YT for advice and comfort.
I called the vet and he has an appt. for 3:00 today. I am going to ask for the referral to Purdue for his eyes and ears, etc.
I feel like I need him tested for liver shunt as well...based on his lethargy and disinterest in food. How can they test for this? Acid bile test?
I need to get nutrical for him. I have been giving him a little sugar when I worried about his blood sugar level, but I know nutrical is best.
What else do you think I need to ask for? If they don't take this seriously and give me the referral then I have another vet I am going to take him to.
This morning Peyton seemed a little more alert. He piddled and walked a little. Had no interest in food or water. I was just praying he would keep down the little he ate last night. So far so good. He is curled up sleeping again on me.
Thank you all again for the comfort and prayers. You are all the best. I'll update after visit for sure or if there is any change.
God bless you and your little ones too. |
A couple of things about specialty vets -
You can call and make an appointment yourself. Do it before your visit, and when you get to your regular vet inform them "I have an appointment for Peyton with Dr. _____ at _______ and it is on (date) at (time). I would like for you to write up a packet and send my records so they have all the information"
You can always cancel, and if your vet objects, you should ask why they want to keep a case that seems like it belongs with a specialist. Do not be afraid to ask questions, including the direct and pointed ones. You are your dog's voice.
As for Bile Acids Testing - I'd probably let the specialist do it, since you are going anyway. I have my own opinions about why I always do BAT testing with my specialists -- the main one being that the techs drawing blood generally are certified, have better technique overall, and I just want consistency of results. I have had BATs drawn by my regular vet also but 99% of the time I do it at the specialty hospital.
Please keep us posted on Peyton and good luck today.
ETA: Just tell the vet that you wish to have a BAT test because yorkies are 36x more likely than all other breeds combined to be afflicted with some form of liver shunt (single portosystemic shunt or microscopic shunting or even acquired shunting). The test for BAT is $80 here, so be prepared that this will tack on to the regular bloodwork. I might start with regular blood work and the consult and add the BAT testing later depending on the results. If you can afford it, do it all at once.