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Bad Test Results for Logan: Suspect Liver Shunt Just got Logan's bile acid's test results. The pre-meal bile level was 35, and it's supposed to be less than 10. The post-meal level was 75, and it's supposed to be less than 20. I'm waiting for the vet to call me back to see where we go from here. They are recommending an extremely low protein diet, 5-6% per serving, which the tech said can be found only by prescription (and is probably junk, in my opinion). This is so horrible. I'm calling the vet/breeder as soon as he returns from lunch. I don't know if he will help us out or not, but I'm going to find out what he is willing to do. His reputation is on the line right now. |
good luck, sending prayers for all to go well |
Hopefully, with the proper diet, your baby will be fine. I hope the breeder will work with you. Best wishes, |
Sending prayers for Logan your way. |
I'm sorry.:( ' It is very likely MVD which is just treated with diet and supplements. I would do a Protein C test to see. Be careful about doing an ultrasound because they are often inconclusive. Ultrasound is a great test though if bladder stones (secondary to liver problems) are suspected. If the Protein C test shows no shunt and MVD is suspected, a liver biopsy could be done during neutering but because this can be risky, you may want to avoid it... Can you homecook? Otherwise prescription food is probably best. Even if it turns out to be mild MVD, I think giving Denosyl or VetriDMG is a good thing to do... |
I talked to the vet. That conversation was a little more encouraging. She said that with most liver shunt cases, the post-meal bile acid test is over 100. Logan's was over the normal range of 20, but it was "only" 75. So that is encouraging. She recommended a diet change to low-protein food and medication. Then we will retest in 6 weeks. She also gave me a recipe for homecooked food that includes rice (I'd use brown), egg, vegetable oil, salt, and calcium carbonate. That will work as long as we're home, but we are going to be traveling with Logan three out of the next 6 weeks, so I will also use the dry prescription food. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the encouragement and advice. Much appreciated!! |
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The vet mentioned the Denosyl but not VetriDMG, unless that's the same thing as lactulose, which is the other thing she recommends. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon, along with his new food. I'll also do the home cooked food as well. She didn't mentioned the protein C test, but if an ultrasound is needed later, we'll go to Auburn University where they can also do the "dye" test since ultrasounds don't always show the shunt. Thanks for all the info! You are very knowledgeable on this topic. |
You really should joing the livershunt support group on yahoo...they are wonderful and know everything there is to know about LS and MVD. Here is the website: Liver_Shunt_And_MVD_Support : Liver Shunt & MVD/HMD Support they helped out a lot and gave me lots of information when my Teddi had a LS. Hugs for Logan! |
I'm sure that it's not 5-6%...Is it a canned food? If it is, this food is probably actually 25% protein. You can't just look at what is on the label on canned foods. You have to convert that to a dry matter basis in order to know how much protein is actually in it. First, find out how much moisture is listed on the can. It's typically around 80%. If this is the case, then take 100 minus 80 (the amount of moisture) which equals 20. Then look at the amount of protein which you say is 5 and then divide that by the 20 which equals 25%. Again, this depends on the amount of moisture listed. It could be slightly more or slightly less. Which prescription food did they give you specifically. It should not be K/D or U/D or S/D because they contain pork liver and other ingredients that are not recommended for liver compromised dogs. Yes, they are lower in protein, BUT it's the wrong kind...It should be L/D which is specifically for dogs who have liver problems or are suspected of having liver problems. |
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It is liquid, so if he won't swallow the Denosyl pills, Vetri may be an alternative... My dog is on Denosyl. Her bile acids are 106. |
You can print up the information about the Protein C test on the liver shunt group. Also, keep in mind that although usually dogs who have bile acid test results under 100 have MVD rather than liver shunt, there have been cases where dogs with BAT under 100 have ended up having a shunt. |
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I will be praying for little Logan. Thank you so much for the update. Toto sends him lots of hugs & kisses.:animal-pa |
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It was K/D. I'll see if they have the L/D. |
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So sorry you are going thru this. Prayers for a good outcome.:hands: |
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Sending Logan warm wishes and hugs from me and Lucy... |
I am so sorry to hear the test results. I will be praying for your baby. It is NOT the end of the world, but it is scary and it is hard to not think of the bad and not the good. I will be praying for a full recovery. Hugs Sonya |
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