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cookie_monster · 10-14-2012, 11:44 AM

Hello Yorkie parents!

You may recall from my last post inquiring about Milk Thistle and is where I mentioned that Cookie has seizures and abnormal liver function.

I’m hoping that I can get some help and see what your opinions are or if anyone had similar cases.

The day after Christmas last year, Cookie had her first seizure (she was 2.5yrs old at the time). I was scared straight as any dog owner who experienced it would know. Since then, she had seizures every 3 months, then every 3 weeks, then every 2 weeks, and now about every 1.5 – 2 weeks.

I brought Cookie in to see her Vet as soon as she had her first seizure. From there, she had blood tests which showed bile acid test being abnormal (unfortunately I do not know the numbers). Had a liver ultrasound which R/O liver shunt but showed that she had a smaller liver. As more seizures progressed she was then referred to a Neurologist.

The neurologist did a neurologic exam which was normal, had another set of bile acid which was abnormal again, and ultrasound around the outside lining of the live because a vessel may sometime be on the outside of the liver (the first ultrasound did not examine these areas -I now think it's a money grabber..anyways). That came back normal R/O shunt again but this time, the liver was normal in size. Cookie was placed on anti-seizure medication (she on Levetiracetam 125mg TID – it’s the generic of Keppra). The medication is not working (which I’m thinking of taking her off of –let me know what you think). He suggests a MRI of the head and liver biopsy. He states that while already under the knife, he may be able to visually see if there is a vessel on the outside liver which couldn’t be picked up on an ultrasound because the vessel is very very small.

I’m holding off on the MRI for now as her neurologic exam is normal. I’m contemplating on having the liver biopsy done just to see if there is an underlying liver problem but before I go through with this I would like any suggests and help.

I’ve reached online, and am possibly thinking she may have hepatic encephalitis (I’m no expert of course).

I am extremely concerned. I would go in debt for my doghter (dog+daughter). But if I were to, I’m hoping I’m going the right way.

About Cookie:

She’s now 3yrs and 4months. Her first seizure was at 2yrs 6months. She’s about 9lbs. She’s not spayed (I was planning to matte her thinking that she was healthy but of cause not now but will definitely spay her once i decide what to do). She doesn’t really like other dogs (another reason to spay her of cause now -I’ve brought her to parks and puppy school). She eats, drink and washroom normally. She likes to sleep, very much a lap dog. She at times tremor (probably b/c of the illness). She’s on Prescription Diet L/D. That's all I can think of right now.

Your help is much appreciated.

Many Thanks

Cookie’s mommy

10-14-2012, 11:44 AM	#1
cookie_monster YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 9	Seizures and/or Liver Disease Help :o( Hello Yorkie parents! You may recall from my last post inquiring about Milk Thistle and is where I mentioned that Cookie has seizures and abnormal liver function. I’m hoping that I can get some help and see what your opinions are or if anyone had similar cases. The day after Christmas last year, Cookie had her first seizure (she was 2.5yrs old at the time). I was scared straight as any dog owner who experienced it would know. Since then, she had seizures every 3 months, then every 3 weeks, then every 2 weeks, and now about every 1.5 – 2 weeks. I brought Cookie in to see her Vet as soon as she had her first seizure. From there, she had blood tests which showed bile acid test being abnormal (unfortunately I do not know the numbers). Had a liver ultrasound which R/O liver shunt but showed that she had a smaller liver. As more seizures progressed she was then referred to a Neurologist. The neurologist did a neurologic exam which was normal, had another set of bile acid which was abnormal again, and ultrasound around the outside lining of the live because a vessel may sometime be on the outside of the liver (the first ultrasound did not examine these areas -I now think it's a money grabber..anyways). That came back normal R/O shunt again but this time, the liver was normal in size. Cookie was placed on anti-seizure medication (she on Levetiracetam 125mg TID – it’s the generic of Keppra). The medication is not working (which I’m thinking of taking her off of –let me know what you think). He suggests a MRI of the head and liver biopsy. He states that while already under the knife, he may be able to visually see if there is a vessel on the outside liver which couldn’t be picked up on an ultrasound because the vessel is very very small. I’m holding off on the MRI for now as her neurologic exam is normal. I’m contemplating on having the liver biopsy done just to see if there is an underlying liver problem but before I go through with this I would like any suggests and help. I’ve reached online, and am possibly thinking she may have hepatic encephalitis (I’m no expert of course). I am extremely concerned. I would go in debt for my doghter (dog+daughter). But if I were to, I’m hoping I’m going the right way. About Cookie: She’s now 3yrs and 4months. Her first seizure was at 2yrs 6months. She’s about 9lbs. She’s not spayed (I was planning to matte her thinking that she was healthy but of cause not now but will definitely spay her once i decide what to do). She doesn’t really like other dogs (another reason to spay her of cause now -I’ve brought her to parks and puppy school). She eats, drink and washroom normally. She likes to sleep, very much a lap dog. She at times tremor (probably b/c of the illness). She’s on Prescription Diet L/D. That's all I can think of right now. Your help is much appreciated. Many Thanks Cookie’s mommy