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Originally Posted by laniesue  I took LuLu to see the specialist last Thursday. They did the ultrasound, however, he was unable to confirm if she has a liver shunt. He said he was not "sold" on her having a shunt, but would not be surprised if she does. His report says "The ultrasound is highly suggestive of a shunting vessel but not confirmative. No radolucent calculi were noted in the urinary bladder." I asked him if he had a "gut" feeling and he said atypical Addsion's Disease came to his mind as soon as he read LuLu's chart.
He said he hated to recommend surgery right now because it may not be needed. He discussed scintigraphy and vascular contrast CT, indicating that both are quite expensive. I asked what we should do next and he said a protein C assay to aide in differentiating MVD from a shunt and a baseline cortisol to make sure she couldnt also have atypical Addsion's disease. I am so frustrated.I hate the "unknown". Meanwhile, my baby is just as spunky as ever. She is eating well, too. I just wish I could draw an easy breath. Keep the prayers going up for my sweet LuLu, please. Any ideas or input appreciated.  |
Hello and I'm sorry to read about your sweet LuLu. I too hate the unknown and must always try to find an answer. I too can't draw easy breaths when my babies are sick (even if they seem fine). But, it sounds like you are doing things right so far to find out what is wrong. I know that veterinary expenses can quickly add up, and sometimes some tests such as the ones your vet recommended can help to find the answer without very pricey diagnostics.
The Protein C assay is very useful when Bile Acids are very high like this to determine if it is a single PSS or MVD. I don't really completely understand the ultrasound report of "highly suspicious for a shunt but not confirmed" -- did they say anything else about the condition of the liver on the ultrasound? In other words, why is the ultrasound highly suspicious? He said he wasn't convinced she had a shunt but then he said he would not be surprised if she did. I find that confusing.
Did you end up doing the Protein C and baseline cortisol tests?