Possible Liver Shunt puppy... I have a 3.5 lb yorkie puppy, Ruby, whose bile acid test just came back indicative of a liver problem (pre test normal - post test was 23.1). Her Chemistry test came back normal, also. I've heard not to worry if the post wasn't over 100. My vet is suggesting an ultrasound, but I've read on here about Scintigraphy?? Ruby is a "replacement" puppy one that i lost over the summer with a very large shunt. The puppy that died this summer had every single symptom of a shunt.. this one has NONE. She is so hyper, gains weight, eats fine and drinks good too. The breeder (who is the same person that sold me the first puppy that passed) is no longer interested in working with me. I can't afford a 3000 dollar surgery, so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how long my sweet girl would live on a low protein diet, etc? |
Oh wow, I'm sorry you had to go through that with your first puppy, and I sincerely hope this one is okay. I can't give you any advice, but I wanted to welcome you to YT. There are a lot of members here who can help answer your questions. |
I'm so sorry about your first pup. :( That post is really low. I personally would retest in one month making sure that she doesn't get any meds (including heartworm, flea and vaccines) for two weeks before. These can skew the results. Idexx says the post shouldn't be over 15 but Dr. Center (developer of the bile acids test) says that it shouldn't be over 25. I think your pup is likely just fine. :) If the number stays at 23, I don't even see why she would need a low protein diet. Bile acids can go up anytime there is a liver functioning issue, so maybe it was just a bit aggravated that day. Of course it could be MVD and rarely with a number that low it could be a shunt. Since she is asymptomatic, I would just redue the bile acids test. Based on Dr. Center's guidelines, some people may not even retest her at all. I would personally want to see it below whatever the particular lab says it should be below though. |
I would have a protein c test run. Following is the information at Cornell University about sending in the blood test and how to do it. I think that would be my next step. I would not worry though, those results seem very low and close to normal. Comparative Coagulation -- NYS Animal Health Diagnostic Center |
Thank you so much for your responses.. We are taking her in the morning for a second opinion of the results with a specialist. I am curious about how a vaccine could skew the post BAT but not the pre? She did just have a 5 in 1 shot about two weeks ago... |
Does it impact any of what you said, Ellie May, that she is 11 weeks old? |
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I guess if it were me I would retest when she gets a bit older (probably around 6 months) and ignore the results you just got. If it is under 25 next time, that would be normal. If your vet sends it to Idexx though and you go with their reference range, the vet may pressure you to do more testing. I would absolutely not do an ultrasound right now. If she shows any symptoms before then, I might retest early but that post really isn't concerning. About the vet, I'm a bit surprised that he/she would tell you to get an ultrasound for a post only a few points over reference range. This was sent to Idexx or Antech, right? Or was it a Snap test in the office? When my Yorkie's post went to 106, we then decided to do an ultrasound (which are often inconclusive by the way). When her post was 47, we tried to get it down with diet and supplements. |
I just got home from the specialist.. and you all were sooo right. He said that 23.1 for the post is higher than he'd like but not a reason for major concern. He also said her glucose levels were normal and that dogs with liver problems have difficulty processing sugar? and that her protein level was 5.0 and that was fine too. No low pro diet and no need for re testing for a while.. wheww. I really thought I was going to lose another one to shunting and liver problems. Thanks again for the thoughts everyone!! |
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Honestly, she shouldn't have been tested until at least 20 weeks old unless she was showing symptoms. This is Dr. Center's new recommendation. The organs aren't fully developed by 11 weeks. Since this wasn't really an accurate reading, I'd redue it after 20 weeks. If it is over 15 or 25 (depending on your comfort level), I would then do a Protein C test. |
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Make sure you find a Board Certified Radiology. The first ultrasound was not done by a Board Certified Radiology. She was able to tell us that our Yorkie had a liver shunt but was not able to tell us the extend. I then took my Yorkie to a board certified radiology who confirmed every and told us yes had a good chance of living with surgery due to type of liver shunt. |
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I didn't read the other's replies and this post. Glad to hear that there is no need to worry. Our Yorkie's bile acid test results were very high. Also her liver ezymes. |
There is a group called Liver Shunt and MVD Support on Yahoo that you may want to join. They have some great advice. My little one has some liver damage due to chemo therapy and I have gotten on that forum and found tons of advice. My little one is now on a liver friendly diet thanks to that forum. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/L...d_MVD_Support/ |
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