BAT - Surgeon question

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

And I really don't see how doing a BAT at 20 weeks then following the same protocol prevents overdiagnosis because a dog can have other types of liver disease at that age and high BA unless I'm missing something.

A BAT at five months is a good indicator of a shunt or MVD. If symptoms develop later on in life, you have to suspect toxins, an inflamatory response to infection or even cancer, issues that the puppy would not have been born with. Then you have to do lots of tests and even an invasive test like a biopsy to rule those out, just like Michele's Lacy had to go through.

Getting a BAT early on gives your vet an idea of what is normal for your puppy and something to compare it to later on. It's done for the same reason most vets recommend bloodwork before the spay or neuter. Not only will it determine if it is safe for your puppy to go under anesthesia, it also will give your vet a point of reference to compare to later on.

With shunts and liver disease being so prevalent in Yorkies, I can't think of one good reason not to BAT all Yorkie puppies as soon as they are old enough. I know the YTCA supports Dr. Center's recommendation, too.

[Lolasmom1211]

I think I've pretty much decided. The aftercare and 24 hr ICU at U of TN, and with all of the past surgeries and success rates they have - it's pretty hard to beat. I think we'll be flying out to TN.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

With shunts and liver disease being so prevalent in Yorkies, I can't think of one good reason not to BAT all Yorkie puppies as soon as they are old enough. I know the YTCA supports Dr. Center's recommendation, too.

Definitely..shunts and MVD are way too common to NOT test a puppy. Many times symptoms will show up that will cause you to suspect a shunt, but other times the dog is asymptomatic until they are older....and by then there can already be a lot of damage done. Plus...many health guarantees only cover for a year so it's best to find out if you're puppy has a congenital & hereditary condition so that you'll receive assistance from the breeder (hopefully) and so that the breeder can stop breeding the lines causing the shunt/MVD. Most likely Lola does have a shunt, and she was asymptomatic..but might have started showing symptoms at any time.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Lolasmom1211

I think I've pretty much decided. The aftercare and 24 hr ICU at U of TN, and with all of the past surgeries and success rates they have - it's pretty hard to beat. I think we'll be flying out to TN.

I know she'll be in the best hands there. Please let us know when she'll be there and keep us updated. Hugs to you and Lola

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

A BAT at five months is a good indicator of a shunt or MVD. If symptoms develop later on in life, you have to suspect toxins, an inflamatory response to infection or even cancer, issues that the puppy would not have been born with. Then you have to do lots of tests and even an invasive test like a biopsy to rule those out, just like Michele's Lacy had to go through.

Getting a BAT early on gives your vet an idea of what is normal for your puppy and something to compare it to later on. It's done for the same reason most vets recommend bloodwork before the spay or neuter. Not only will it determine if it is safe for your puppy to go under anesthesia, it also will give your vet a point of reference to compare to later on.

With shunts and liver disease being so prevalent in Yorkies, I can't think of one good reason not to BAT all Yorkie puppies as soon as they are old enough. I know the YTCA supports Dr. Center's recommendation, too.

I totally agree. All Yorkie pups 20 weeks or older should be tested because of the problem in the breed. I just don't think that high bile acids and normal Protein C always means MVD or that high BAT in a pup is always LS or MVD.

But yes, any Yorkie pup I have will be tested.

[SassyAnn101]

I took my Gizmo to UT for his Liver Shunt surgery. His BAT's pointed to a shunt, his symptoms pointed to a shunt, I knew in my heart that is what was going on, but on the intial visit we sat down and discussed all the test results, and I was given several options as to the route they could take with his treatment. With everything going on with Gizmo the Stingograph (spelling?) was what was recommended to me, and that is the route we went with. A shunt was found with that method. The guys at UT are great. They save so many little lives there each day.

[Lolasmom1211]

Thanks to everyone for your replies...I am going to call in the morning and try to set up an appointment for Lola to be seen as soon as possible. I will keep you posted!