Lacy's BAT results were high...need some advice - Page 18 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

DAB · 03-24-2009, 12:11 PM

I have an ongoing problem with my 2 year old Yorkie, Emma. She was tested at Tufts University and she does have a shunt. We need to contact the surgeon to find out what to do next. Shunts, as I understand, are genetic so I am not sure what you mean by an "acquired" shunt.

That said, I would suggest you skip the ultrasound which many here on this forum have noted is unreliable. My vet insisted that I have it done because it was not invasive. Emma's ultrasound showed that she didn't have a shunt. The tech at Tufts was supposedly excellent. However, I was worried because her BAT tests (multiple tests) remained in the 500 range!

The next step was to have a scintigraphy test where she was injected with a radiated dye so if she had a shunt it would absolutely be located. Emma had to be kept overnight at Tufts to make sure the radiation was flushed from her system before we could bring her home. The test showed that she definately has a shunt which contradicted the ultrasound test result.

So, again, if I would definitely advise that you save the money spent on the ultrasound ( my cost was about $383) since the test wasn't/ and usually isn't accurate. The scintigraphy was almost an additional $700. But now I know my poor little one has a shunt.

The good news is that since her first incidents in December with the vommiting of bile and loose stools, she is no longer showing any clinical signs of having a shunt. She is as energertic as ever. She does tale 1ML of Metronidozole every day with breakfast which now is Eukanuba's/Iams low residue kibble. I do add a bit of fresh boiled chicken tender pieces and, at times, some fresh raw baby carrots pieces to her food.

However, the reality is that she does have a shunt. As soon as I contact the surgeon I will let this forum know whether or not surgery is the only option availble. I am concerned about having the surgery because I have read that there are complications such as seizures/ blindness. But, then again, I also have read that the shunt surgery can be successful.

Take care. I hope Lacy feels better soon. I would go right for the scintigraphy test as you most likely will have to have it anyway.

DAB

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Yeah, an allergy to those ingredients in highly unlikely.
An intolerance to something in the recipe is possible.
I think that sweet potatoes will be good but have my doubts that it will fix the problem.

It seems like she really needs a biopsy but I wouldn't go there too fast either.
We are at the same spot with Ellie.

The omega 3s should be good.
How about Metronidazole? Tried that yet?

Prednisone is terrible stuff.

How are her sodium and potassium?

We haven't tried any medications yet other than the tylan. Her potassium and sodium were normal on the last two blood panels. I read that with primary Addisons electrolytes will be off but not usually with secondary or atypical.

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVERYxo

Michelle.. i have been told that sometimes WHITE potato, will trigger dogs with IBD type issues.. sometimes it is too much for them! (we have Avie on the sweet potato, like i mentioned before) SO, maybe this will help her some....

She ate the new batch with sweet potatos well earlier. She still doesn't act like her normal self though. But maybe the sweet potatos will help.

AVERYxo · 03-24-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

She ate the new batch with sweet potatos well earlier. She still doesn't act like her normal self though. But maybe the sweet potatos will help.

i hope so!!!

Wylie's Mom · 03-24-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

She ate the new batch with sweet potatos well earlier. She still doesn't act like her normal self though. But maybe the sweet potatos will help.

Wonder if you should try decreasing her veggie portion - sometimes that's irritating; plus the greens alkalize the system, so maybe it's a little off balance? Is her tummy noisy? Poor Lacy

.

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Wonder if you should try decreasing her veggie portion - sometimes that's irritating; plus the greens alkalize the system, so maybe it's a little off balance? Is her tummy noisy? Poor Lacy

.

No it hasn't been making any noises. Ill probably email susan Davis again after we get these next results back

DAB · 03-24-2009, 04:20 PM

I made a mistake with the cost of the ultrasound and the scintigraphy tests. The ultrasound at Tufts was $519 while the scintigraphy was $549.76 although I was initially quoted $683. The reason for the discount was that I was told Emma didn't have a shunt when she had the ultrasound. Because that shunt diagnosis was missed, I received a lower price for the scintigraphy. Please note that since December, between trips and tests at my vet and then at Tufts I have spent about $2500 just to get the correct diagnosis.

DAB

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAB

I made a mistake with the cost of the ultrasound and the scintigraphy tests. The ultrasound at Tufts was $519 while the scintigraphy was $549.76 although I was initially quoted $683. The reason for the discount was that I was told Emma didn't have a shunt when she had the ultrasound. Because that shunt diagnosis was missed, I received a lower price for the scintigraphy. Please note that since December, between trips and tests at my vet and then at Tufts I have spent about $2500 just to get the correct diagnosis.

DAB

Thanks. Lacy doesn't have a shunt though

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 05:00 PM

she ate all her dinner. She's eaten better today than she has the last 5 days. I guess she liked the sweet potato change today

Ladymom · 03-24-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

she ate all her dinner. She's eaten better today than she has the last 5 days. I guess she liked the sweet potato change today

Great news! Lady has trouble with too many veggies and does much better with sweet potato for fiber.

I hope Lacy continues to feel better.

LuvMySissy · 03-24-2009, 06:30 PM

Michele - I hope the sweet potato makes a difference for Lacy and she'll be feeling better now.

Did Susan suggest putting her on colostrum to help boost her immune system? I think it really helped with Sissy, but obviously her issues were a little different than Lacy's. Sending hugs and well wishes to you both.....

MyFairLacy · 03-24-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

Michele - I hope the sweet potato makes a difference for Lacy and she'll be feeling better now.

Did Susan suggest putting her on colostrum to help boost her immune system? I think it really helped with Sissy, but obviously her issues were a little different than Lacy's. Sending hugs and well wishes to you both.....

Yes she did mention possibly starting that in the future

Ladymom · 03-24-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Yes she did mention possibly starting that in the future

I absolutely swear by Transfer Factor. A member on another forum recommended it to me 2.5 years ago to help with Lady's chronic uti's that are so common in diabetics. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical, but the results have been amazing!

Not only has Lady not had one uti since, her insulin requirement went to half within a matter of weeks. She was regulated on 3.5 units seven years ago and now only gets 1.5 units. Her allergies are better, arthritis is better - basically I consider it to be Lady's fountain of youth.

Transfer Factors And The Immune Response in Humans and Animals

Connie · 03-26-2009, 07:10 AM

I hope Lacy is feeing much better by now. Get well wishes to darling Lacy!

MyFairLacy · 03-26-2009, 02:34 PM

Lacy has eaten well the past two days and today. Maybe the sweet potatos will make a difference. I just don't know.

We got most of her tests back. Her CBC and blood chem panel were good and her vet didn't seem to be concerned although I did just email her to ask a couple questions. Her bilirubin was high and cholesterol were low. It said blood sample was +1 lipemic and I'm not sure what that means but it said it can cause bilirubin to be falsely elevated. Her neutrophils were a little low, lymphocytes a little high and eosinophils a little high .

Her cobalamine and folate were back in normal range but they should be because she's been gettin injections. Her thyroid and cortisol were normal. And she is now negative for campylobacter. The only thing I haven't gotten back is the results on the clostridium bacteria.

03-24-2009, 05:00 PM	#264
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	she ate all her dinner. She's eaten better today than she has the last 5 days. I guess she liked the sweet potato change today __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

03-24-2009, 06:30 PM	#266
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	Michele - I hope the sweet potato makes a difference for Lacy and she'll be feeling better now. Did Susan suggest putting her on colostrum to help boost her immune system? I think it really helped with Sissy, but obviously her issues were a little different than Lacy's. Sending hugs and well wishes to you both..... __________________ Sissy & Angel

03-26-2009, 07:10 AM	#269
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	I hope Lacy is feeing much better by now. Get well wishes to darling Lacy! __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

03-26-2009, 02:34 PM	#270
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	Lacy has eaten well the past two days and today. Maybe the sweet potatos will make a difference. I just don't know. We got most of her tests back. Her CBC and blood chem panel were good and her vet didn't seem to be concerned although I did just email her to ask a couple questions. Her bilirubin was high and cholesterol were low. It said blood sample was +1 lipemic and I'm not sure what that means but it said it can cause bilirubin to be falsely elevated. Her neutrophils were a little low, lymphocytes a little high and eosinophils a little high . Her cobalamine and folate were back in normal range but they should be because she's been gettin injections. Her thyroid and cortisol were normal. And she is now negative for campylobacter. The only thing I haven't gotten back is the results on the clostridium bacteria. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

03-24-2009, 12:11 PM	#256
DAB Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicopeee, MA Posts: 110	I have an ongoing problem with my 2 year old Yorkie, Emma. She was tested at Tufts University and she does have a shunt. We need to contact the surgeon to find out what to do next. Shunts, as I understand, are genetic so I am not sure what you mean by an "acquired" shunt. That said, I would suggest you skip the ultrasound which many here on this forum have noted is unreliable. My vet insisted that I have it done because it was not invasive. Emma's ultrasound showed that she didn't have a shunt. The tech at Tufts was supposedly excellent. However, I was worried because her BAT tests (multiple tests) remained in the 500 range! The next step was to have a scintigraphy test where she was injected with a radiated dye so if she had a shunt it would absolutely be located. Emma had to be kept overnight at Tufts to make sure the radiation was flushed from her system before we could bring her home. The test showed that she definately has a shunt which contradicted the ultrasound test result. So, again, if I would definitely advise that you save the money spent on the ultrasound ( my cost was about $383) since the test wasn't/ and usually isn't accurate. The scintigraphy was almost an additional $700. But now I know my poor little one has a shunt. The good news is that since her first incidents in December with the vommiting of bile and loose stools, she is no longer showing any clinical signs of having a shunt. She is as energertic as ever. She does tale 1ML of Metronidozole every day with breakfast which now is Eukanuba's/Iams low residue kibble. I do add a bit of fresh boiled chicken tender pieces and, at times, some fresh raw baby carrots pieces to her food. However, the reality is that she does have a shunt. As soon as I contact the surgeon I will let this forum know whether or not surgery is the only option availble. I am concerned about having the surgery because I have read that there are complications such as seizures/ blindness. But, then again, I also have read that the shunt surgery can be successful. Take care. I hope Lacy feels better soon. I would go right for the scintigraphy test as you most likely will have to have it anyway. DAB

03-24-2009, 04:20 PM	#262
DAB Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicopeee, MA Posts: 110	I made a mistake with the cost of the ultrasound and the scintigraphy tests. The ultrasound at Tufts was $519 while the scintigraphy was $549.76 although I was initially quoted $683. The reason for the discount was that I was told Emma didn't have a shunt when she had the ultrasound. Because that shunt diagnosis was missed, I received a lower price for the scintigraphy. Please note that since December, between trips and tests at my vet and then at Tufts I have spent about $2500 just to get the correct diagnosis. DAB