Last month I took my puppy Choco (8 months old/5 pounds) to the vet to get his blood work done before his neuter. A couple days later, I received an email from my doctor with the results showing his ALT level was high- 169. Then my doctor suggested a bile acids test to check for liver function. I decided to do the test after researching, which cost $187! Then my doctor emailed me back saying the results were high- (Pre meal: 16 / Post meal: 58.4). So now he suggests testing for possible shunt with portal scintigraphy- a noninvasive technique for diagnosing shunts that doesn't require anesthesia or sedation.
About 2-3 months ago, Choco suddenly refused to eat dry food & barely ate. However, after we switched to wet food & changed the dry food to Wellness brand, he started eating again. Now he eats, sleeps, & plays well. No seizures, vomiting, or walking in circles. He alway drops his toys in front of me to play with him & gets excited to go outside. He does tremble once in awhile but not for too long. I bought the milk thistle & he just started taking it 2 weeks ago.
So now I'm confused and worried about the high test results. Is the portal scintigraphy test ($500) necessary? Choco is my first pet so I'm not sure what to do
