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Originally Posted by tinknpiper  Took my 7 month old yorki poo today to get neutered as we were waiting for his second ball to drop. Needless.to say it won't be happening. Not only did the other.not drop so they have to go through his abdomen but his bloodwork came back a little high for his liver. Vet didn't say what exactly but she said its not very much. She decided to wait on surgery since it will take longer since they have to find the other but also his litter sister just had a lot of problems. She was having seizures and not eating and very high liver levels. We are doing the blood test today to send out to find out what's going on with my baby.
What I am asking is what information can anyone give me to learn? Will know more from vet later. He just went in this morning. So hopefully nothing serious is wrong. |
Was this blood test called a BATS? If so that is usually the starting point, to begin the identification/diagnosis part of a Liver shunt, or a milder form of the disease called MVD.
There is a support group on Yahoo for Liver shunt, and there are multiple threads here in Sick and Emergency on Liver Shunt.
Univ of Tennessee is the leader in the research, testing, and surgical intervention if necessary, and where I would be hot footing it to if I got a ddx'd of LS.
Your vet is very wise not to do a neuter on a dog that might be Liver compromised.
Briefly a BATS tests, tests liver function, once at fasting levels, then 2 hrs after eating. Each laboratory may have slightly different Normal ranges; but all will be in the range somewhere of Zero-3/5 at fasting bloodwork, and under 20(ish) after eating.
the higher the score either pre food or after food, points to a potential external Liver Shunt, versus multiple small shunts in the liver.
Multiple small shunts in the liver are NOT operable, whereas external Liver shunts are often operable.
MVD is usually managed by diet, and some either and or both prescription, and additives to the food.
There are a number of opinions on what testing is best after a Positive BATS.
But ultrasound is often suggested, and one I would not do, unless I had assurances that the US was done by a person experienced in reading for LS.
Dr Karen Tobias office and she herself are always willing to help a general vet in a consultant mode. They will offer advice over the phone as well, to the pet owner.
Although it is hard try not worry a lot, do what you are doing, investigating what this condition is. BTW the recommendation for Yorkies is that they have a BATS test done at 16wks, and then again at 6months.
Unfortunately many breeders seem to be unaware of this, and certainly judging by the posting we get on this board, are not informing their puppy buyers.
Also Maltese is prone to LS as well from what I have read, so you bought a puppy that was mixed with two breeds that are prone to LS.
My heart goes out to you, and my disgust to breeders who do NOT health test and search for known health conditions in their lines!!!!!!!