Lucy back at the Vet today - bile acid testing Monday

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by red98vett

GOOD LUCK ! I'd be freaking too especially since you've already dealt with this. I'm sorry ....We all hope we get healthy pets and when there is something going on and we dont know what it is ...it IS a big worry. At least you're doing everything you can to get to the bottom of this

ps...how did things turn out with her sister ? Is she ok ? I haven't been online much for the last 6 months or so

Her sister was the pup we had first chosen. However, we were never able to bring her home. Her breeder took her to the vet and once she was diagnosed, she was PTS. Apparently, she was told that there was little chance for survival and that she was actually dying when brought in. I was only told AFTER the fact.

My Lucy did have a different mother . . .and had liver enzyme testing right after I brought her home - that was fine.

Tonight - Lucy actually ran and played for the first time in days! I have been feeding her only rice - no protein- no kibble, etc.

Tomorrow is her test. I've had second thoughts about putting her through it .. . but I think I should. If nothing else, it will give me peace of mind or - at least we will know how to help her if it does show something.

[YorkieMom6]

I agree with doing the tests. First of all, they will help you address Lucy's current problem and if something else is brewing they will allow you to be a bit more on the proactive side versus reactive. I continue to hold little Lucy and you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Ringo1]

Thanks to everyone for all their kind thoughts and replies.

Lucy got her bile acid test results today and they were slightly elevated. 51 before feeding and 41 after feeding. (That sounds backward). I guess 20 is normal and anything over 100 is considered definitive for a shunt.

Her vet was really not sure. With her issues this week-end, he thinks it is a possibility and next step would be a scintography; I would have to travel to Ohio State.

However, he said he wouldn't be in a great rush to do this unless she has another episode like she had this week-end.

He did not recommend to change her food at this time. Our tentative plan is to keep an eye on her and redo bile acid tests in 30 days and go from there.

She is fine at the moment. I'm very confused as to the right thing to do.

Put her through the test? Or wait the 30 days and re-test. Do her numbers 'jump out' at anyone?

Appreciate any advice. Meanwhile, I'm going to search the boards for all the information I can find . . and give Lucy a hug. She's so sweet; I don't like the thought of her suffering OR that the food I'm feeding her is making her suffer. OR putting her through needless invasive testing. OR waiting too long . . . but maybe her numbers are low enough to not worry.

I just don't know.