YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Liver Shunt (or related) Survivors? (Yorkie and others)

DomLee · 08-25-2006, 01:08 PM

Another update.

Mimi has responded very well to the use of lactulose alone.

We have discontinued the use of metronidazole and amoxicillin, until told to do so by the vet. She said unless we start seeing something unusual, it is okay to do so at this time.

Now,...we recently had the radio imagery done on Mimi. For those of you who don't know what it is...basically they inject a radioactive liquid into your pet, and see the results via MRI (I think).

This is the vet imagery location we went to. http://www.avmi.net/Index.html

The cost...$375 (not sure if this amount is based on the size of our Maltese, but it helps give you an idea).

The report was sent to our vet, who in turn, gave us a printed copy. The report showed a basic prognosis based on what was seen.

HERE IS THE FUNNY/INTERESTING PART.

Mimi tested NEGATIVE for liver shunt.
The basic range for liver shunt (according to the test) was in the 15 - 20%. Below that threshold...and you are normal.

Mimi tested at an astounding 2%!!!!!
So on paper, per this test...she is normal.
However, in person...she CLEARLY has all the symptoms of liver shunt.

For Mimi, if there is a shunt...it is inside the liver, not outside. Basically, for her....we cannot operate on her.

So it is a life long low-protein and lactulose diet.
It would have been nice to be able to operate and "fix" her 100% percent. But since that is not the card we are dealt, a small inconvenience of a diet and medical management is not that bad.

Just thought I would update everyone here, as to provide a resource for all who experience the same scenario.

08-25-2006, 01:08 PM	#15
DomLee YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 300	Another update. Mimi has responded very well to the use of lactulose alone. We have discontinued the use of metronidazole and amoxicillin, until told to do so by the vet. She said unless we start seeing something unusual, it is okay to do so at this time. Now,...we recently had the radio imagery done on Mimi. For those of you who don't know what it is...basically they inject a radioactive liquid into your pet, and see the results via MRI (I think). This is the vet imagery location we went to. http://www.avmi.net/Index.html The cost...$375 (not sure if this amount is based on the size of our Maltese, but it helps give you an idea). The report was sent to our vet, who in turn, gave us a printed copy. The report showed a basic prognosis based on what was seen. HERE IS THE FUNNY/INTERESTING PART. Mimi tested NEGATIVE for liver shunt. The basic range for liver shunt (according to the test) was in the 15 - 20%. Below that threshold...and you are normal. Mimi tested at an astounding 2%!!!!! So on paper, per this test...she is normal. However, in person...she CLEARLY has all the symptoms of liver shunt. For Mimi, if there is a shunt...it is inside the liver, not outside. Basically, for her....we cannot operate on her. So it is a life long low-protein and lactulose diet. It would have been nice to be able to operate and "fix" her 100% percent. But since that is not the card we are dealt, a small inconvenience of a diet and medical management is not that bad. Just thought I would update everyone here, as to provide a resource for all who experience the same scenario.