Rocky is ill liver shunt maybe PLE? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ldvpool7 · 10-18-2009, 05:59 PM

Rocky seemed to be sluggish this past week, nothing I could really explain. He just seemed tired maybe a little lazy. Friday night he started having terrible smelly gas. Saturday morning he was less gassy, but his little belly seemed slightly distended, one episode of vomit light orange in color. This morning his belly was softer and smaller. By four o'clock his lil belly was very distended and the gas was back, lethargic. I called the vet and he met us in 20 minutes.

Rocky is dehydrated, high white count 20, low protein count no temp. Dr started IV's more blood work and tests on Monday.

Rocky is four and never been sick. Is it possible he could have a liver shunt or PLE?

Please pray for him.

LuluMaye · 10-18-2009, 06:17 PM

I had a 8 yr, old yorkie male that had the same symptons you have described and for me it was liver disease. He was diagnosed in October and he died in Fevruary. Needless to say I was devestated, but the one thing I learned through all of this is get him to the vet immediately, ask allot of questions and also do alot of research (which I did not do and deeply regret). I pray that it isn't for your sake and your baby's. Diet is very very important if it is his liver. Find out what your options are and then choose the one that is best for your baby. My prayers are with you and good luck.

livingdustmops · 10-18-2009, 06:18 PM

Do you know what tests they are going to run?

LuvMySissy · 10-19-2009, 06:00 AM

I'm sorry to hear Rocky isn't well. PLE can present with many different symptoms. The low protein count and distended belly could definitely indicate PLE. Has a full blood panel been done? They should also be checking the cobalamine and folate levels.

The right diet and supplements can make all the difference in the world whether it is a liver issue or PLE. I can't say enough good things about Susan Davis and what she has done for many of our babies. Personally, I would contact her sooner rather than later as the consult can end up saving much money down the road.......

Pet Health Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet

Many regular vets simply do not have the nutritional knowledge and don't use supplements, just medications. Keep in mind that IBD and IBS can also cause many severe symptoms as well as blood levels. Sometimes, the answer is simple and diet/supplementation can quickly turn things around. Sending my healing wishes.....

ldvpool7 · 10-19-2009, 04:57 PM

Test rocky’s score average
alb 1.2 2.5-4.4
alp 5 20-150
alt 50 10-118
amy 828 200-1200
tbil 0.2 0.1-0.6
bun 19 7-25
ca++ 9.1 8.6-11.8
phos 5.5 2.9-6.6
cre 0.08 0.3-1.4
glu 116 6-110
na+ 163 138-160
k+ 4.8 3.7-5.8
tp 4.6 5.4-8.2
glob 3.4 2.3-5.2
qc ok ok
hem 3+ lip o
wbc 20.90 6-17
gra 16.78 3-12
rbc 10.37 5.5-8.5
hgb 22 12-18
hct 65.03 37-55

ldvpool7 · 10-19-2009, 05:08 PM

I picked up Rocky this afternoon. His belly is still hard (not as hard as yesterday but hard for normal) distended, and he is lethargic.
I have attached the blood tests in the post above. Vet does not know what is wrong with Rocky. He also had x-rays today much fluid on his abdomen, they drew off 3cc today and tested the fluid as well.
His big brown eyes are so big and sad.....should have the results Tuesday for the acid bile test. The vet kept the port in his leg just in case he needs to get back on IV's. Many many antibotics.
If you can please keep the lil guy in your thoughts and prayers, if you have any ideas or suggestions all are welcome.
Thank you,
Darla

LuluMaye · 10-19-2009, 05:32 PM

When I first brought him to the vet, they thought he had pancreatitis. They did bloodwork and all his levels were way off and that's when they discovered it was his liver. They also did x-rays. They had him on a special diet, and lots of medications. He was diagnosed in October and died in Feb. He wasn't a candidate for surgery and the vet kept telling me he would be ok if I paid strict attention to his diet (which i did) I wish to this day I had gone to a different vet, but I had been going to this one for 8 yrs. and i trusted him. After seeing my poor baby suffer so much (my vet did not believe in euthenizing) In the middle of the nite poor baby was having trouble breathing and running a high temp. after going to emergency vet we made the decision to put him to sleep. It was the hardest thing my husband and I had to do, but we couldn't let him suffer anymore. He was my first yorkie and I still miss him terribly. After that I changed vets and found Yorkie Talk. Wish I had found this site when I was going through all of that.. Goodluck

LuvMySissy · 10-19-2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldvpool7

I picked up Rocky this afternoon. His belly is still hard (not as hard as yesterday but hard for normal) distended, and he is lethargic.
I have attached the blood tests in the post above. Vet does not know what is wrong with Rocky. He also had x-rays today much fluid on his abdomen, they drew off 3cc today and tested the fluid as well.
His big brown eyes are so big and sad.....should have the results Tuesday for the acid bile test. The vet kept the port in his leg just in case he needs to get back on IV's. Many many antibotics.
If you can please keep the lil guy in your thoughts and prayers, if you have any ideas or suggestions all are welcome.
Thank you,
Darla

Darla-
I'm hoping they ran a full blood panel as what you are showing is a basic panel. You really need to know all the in-depth numbers. Please ask for copies of everything for your records as well. What antiobiotics do they have Rocky on?

I would highly recommend contacting Susan Davis. She will probably want you to have the combined consult with Dr. Gordon and he is generally only available on Fridays. I can tell you that BleuBoyBarber's Jill was given a diagnosis of PLE, end stage with euthansia recommended. Her bloodwork was absolutely terrible. Vicki consulted with Susan and Dr. Goron and after reviewing all her bloodwork, it was determined she really has a severe case of IBD. Jill did end up with a plasma transfusion, but is doing really well right now!!!!!!!!!!

ldvpool7 · 10-20-2009, 05:35 AM

Hi Jodi,
Thanks for your response. I did get a copy of the blood work which may as well been written in Spanish.
I didn't get any time on the computer last night to study up because we took turns holding the little guy. He is so bloated, and passes the most foul gas.He is drinking a little and eating out of my hand. Other then that he lays on our lap.
I am going to get the records from yesterdays blood work,tummy tap and antibiotics; and schedule a consult with Susan Davis. We are into $511.00 worth of tests and no conclusive results.

LuvMySissy · 10-20-2009, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldvpool7

Hi Jodi,
Thanks for your response. I did get a copy of the blood work which may as well been written in Spanish.
I didn't get any time on the computer last night to study up because we took turns holding the little guy. He is so bloated, and passes the most foul gas.He is drinking a little and eating out of my hand. Other then that he lays on our lap.
I am going to get the records from yesterdays blood work,tummy tap and antibiotics; and schedule a consult with Susan Davis. We are into $511.00 worth of tests and no conclusive results.

I hope she can help you as much as she helped us!!!!! Unless Rocky's bile acid tests come back positive, any time there is a major illness, the liver is also compromised simply because of the immune system, so it makes sense those markers are off as well!!!! Don't worry about analyzing blood work, just know what is high/low cause you'll learn plenty moving forward

!!!!

ldvpool7 · 10-20-2009, 11:54 AM

Post feeding sample

liver function is 12
Bile Acid is 33.9

ally173 · 10-21-2009, 10:56 AM

my dog had similar symptoms and was rushed to the hospital for vomiting blood; she had very bloated tummy and was discolored gray or brownish; after researching and asking questions; i switched her diet to the honest kitchen which is a human grade food and added digestive enzymes and probiotic and milk thistle drops which changed her completely; now she has pinkish belly not swollen at all; the probiotic will heal her tummy and the milk thistle will heal her liver; you should look into it and good luck!

ldvpool7 · 10-22-2009, 05:37 PM

Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Average survival time with treatment is 6-12 months......
We will be researching some alternative options, however at this time we are following standard protocol-prednisone.

We are very grateful for the 4 years we have had with Rocky. We are not giving up we are loving Rocky, holding him, talking to him and willing him to stay with us as long as he can. Praying for Rocky is what we need from our Yorkietalk friends.

LuvMySissy · 10-23-2009, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldvpool7

Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Average survival time with treatment is 6-12 months......
We will be researching some alternative options, however at this time we are following standard protocol-prednisone.

We are very grateful for the 4 years we have had with Rocky. We are not giving up we are loving Rocky, holding him, talking to him and willing him to stay with us as long as he can. Praying for Rocky is what we need from our Yorkietalk friends.

Darla - please follow-up with Susan Davis/Dr. Gordon. This does not need to be a death sentence and could still be something else entirely!!!! Prednisone will not do anything to heal his system. Please, please, please start him on a quality probiotic and contact Susan. BleuBoyBarber was told to euthanize Jill immediately as she was diagnosed with very advanced PLE. She did not do this ~ Jill had a plasma transfusion and began supplements and special diet on advisement from Susan/Dr. Gordon and was much better within a week and now almost normal. And, her revised diagnosis was severe IBD, not PLE at all............Sissy was dianogsed with PLE (early stage) last fall. Bloodwork normalized within 4 months of supplements and diet changes. She is doing so well and acting like a pup again!!!!

10-18-2009, 05:59 PM	#1
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	Rocky is ill liver shunt maybe PLE? Rocky seemed to be sluggish this past week, nothing I could really explain. He just seemed tired maybe a little lazy. Friday night he started having terrible smelly gas. Saturday morning he was less gassy, but his little belly seemed slightly distended, one episode of vomit light orange in color. This morning his belly was softer and smaller. By four o'clock his lil belly was very distended and the gas was back, lethargic. I called the vet and he met us in 20 minutes. Rocky is dehydrated, high white count 20, low protein count no temp. Dr started IV's more blood work and tests on Monday. Rocky is four and never been sick. Is it possible he could have a liver shunt or PLE? Please pray for him. __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky

10-18-2009, 06:17 PM	#2
LuluMaye Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 203	I had a 8 yr, old yorkie male that had the same symptons you have described and for me it was liver disease. He was diagnosed in October and he died in Fevruary. Needless to say I was devestated, but the one thing I learned through all of this is get him to the vet immediately, ask allot of questions and also do alot of research (which I did not do and deeply regret). I pray that it isn't for your sake and your baby's. Diet is very very important if it is his liver. Find out what your options are and then choose the one that is best for your baby. My prayers are with you and good luck. __________________ Lulu Belle, Bosley Beamer, Baby Zoey, & Holly Berry's Mommy

10-18-2009, 06:18 PM	#3
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Do you know what tests they are going to run? __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

10-19-2009, 06:00 AM	#4
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	I'm sorry to hear Rocky isn't well. PLE can present with many different symptoms. The low protein count and distended belly could definitely indicate PLE. Has a full blood panel been done? They should also be checking the cobalamine and folate levels. The right diet and supplements can make all the difference in the world whether it is a liver issue or PLE. I can't say enough good things about Susan Davis and what she has done for many of our babies. Personally, I would contact her sooner rather than later as the consult can end up saving much money down the road....... Pet Health Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet Many regular vets simply do not have the nutritional knowledge and don't use supplements, just medications. Keep in mind that IBD and IBS can also cause many severe symptoms as well as blood levels. Sometimes, the answer is simple and diet/supplementation can quickly turn things around. Sending my healing wishes..... __________________ Sissy & Angel

10-19-2009, 04:57 PM	#5
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	Update for rocky- lab tests Test rocky’s score average alb 1.2 2.5-4.4 alp 5 20-150 alt 50 10-118 amy 828 200-1200 tbil 0.2 0.1-0.6 bun 19 7-25 ca++ 9.1 8.6-11.8 phos 5.5 2.9-6.6 cre 0.08 0.3-1.4 glu 116 6-110 na+ 163 138-160 k+ 4.8 3.7-5.8 tp 4.6 5.4-8.2 glob 3.4 2.3-5.2 qc ok ok hem 3+ lip o wbc 20.90 6-17 gra 16.78 3-12 rbc 10.37 5.5-8.5 hgb 22 12-18 hct 65.03 37-55 __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky Last edited by ldvpool7; 10-19-2009 at 05:01 PM. Reason: PASTE TABLE

10-19-2009, 05:08 PM	#6
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	Update for rocky day 2 I picked up Rocky this afternoon. His belly is still hard (not as hard as yesterday but hard for normal) distended, and he is lethargic. I have attached the blood tests in the post above. Vet does not know what is wrong with Rocky. He also had x-rays today much fluid on his abdomen, they drew off 3cc today and tested the fluid as well. His big brown eyes are so big and sad.....should have the results Tuesday for the acid bile test. The vet kept the port in his leg just in case he needs to get back on IV's. Many many antibotics. If you can please keep the lil guy in your thoughts and prayers, if you have any ideas or suggestions all are welcome. Thank you, Darla __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky

10-19-2009, 05:32 PM	#7
LuluMaye Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 203	When I first brought him to the vet, they thought he had pancreatitis. They did bloodwork and all his levels were way off and that's when they discovered it was his liver. They also did x-rays. They had him on a special diet, and lots of medications. He was diagnosed in October and died in Feb. He wasn't a candidate for surgery and the vet kept telling me he would be ok if I paid strict attention to his diet (which i did) I wish to this day I had gone to a different vet, but I had been going to this one for 8 yrs. and i trusted him. After seeing my poor baby suffer so much (my vet did not believe in euthenizing) In the middle of the nite poor baby was having trouble breathing and running a high temp. after going to emergency vet we made the decision to put him to sleep. It was the hardest thing my husband and I had to do, but we couldn't let him suffer anymore. He was my first yorkie and I still miss him terribly. After that I changed vets and found Yorkie Talk. Wish I had found this site when I was going through all of that.. Goodluck __________________ Lulu Belle, Bosley Beamer, Baby Zoey, & Holly Berry's Mommy

10-20-2009, 05:35 AM	#9
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	Day 3 Hi Jodi, Thanks for your response. I did get a copy of the blood work which may as well been written in Spanish. I didn't get any time on the computer last night to study up because we took turns holding the little guy. He is so bloated, and passes the most foul gas.He is drinking a little and eating out of my hand. Other then that he lays on our lap. I am going to get the records from yesterdays blood work,tummy tap and antibiotics; and schedule a consult with Susan Davis. We are into $511.00 worth of tests and no conclusive results. __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky

10-20-2009, 11:54 AM	#11
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	VET called.....Acid bile test is back Post feeding sample liver function is 12 Bile Acid is 33.9 __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky

10-21-2009, 10:56 AM	#12
ally173 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: cliffside park, nj, usa Posts: 1,170	my dog had similar symptoms and was rushed to the hospital for vomiting blood; she had very bloated tummy and was discolored gray or brownish; after researching and asking questions; i switched her diet to the honest kitchen which is a human grade food and added digestive enzymes and probiotic and milk thistle drops which changed her completely; now she has pinkish belly not swollen at all; the probiotic will heal her tummy and the milk thistle will heal her liver; you should look into it and good luck! __________________ Ava's mom

10-22-2009, 05:37 PM	#13
ldvpool7 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianola Iowa Posts: 232	Rocky's diagnose -PLE Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) Average survival time with treatment is 6-12 months...... We will be researching some alternative options, however at this time we are following standard protocol-prednisone. We are very grateful for the 4 years we have had with Rocky. We are not giving up we are loving Rocky, holding him, talking to him and willing him to stay with us as long as he can. Praying for Rocky is what we need from our Yorkietalk friends. __________________ Mom to Carlie Rocky