I need help!

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by mly

Finally, I got a copy of Bella's records from the vet.

If I'm reading this correctly it says:

bile acids results: 15.5
reference range: 0.0-6.9 umol/L
flag: H

bile acids post pranidial results: 42.9
reference range: 0.0-14.9 umol/L
flag: H

(I have no idea what this all means)

I'm also looking at her bloodwork she had done the day before that and noticed there were some highs/lows. They were:

Bun:28- high
B/C ratio: 35- high
MCV: 79-high
MCH: 26.1-high
neutrophil seg: 49-low
lymphocytes: 48-high
monocytes:2-low
eosinophil: 1-low
absolute eosinphil: 94-low

(I'm not sure if all these matters or not since when vet called, she said Bella's blood work came in normal)

I'll also have to go to two specialist since the one in Santa Rosa, CA does internal med and neuro but their MRI price is way expensive and the one place in Roseville, ca only does neuro.

I was thinking I'll go to the place in Santa Rosa for Bella's liver shunt and the one in Roseville for Bella's neuro tests.

With her BAT results, do you think she'll have to continue eating prescription food forever or can I just feed her low protein food?

If anyone can please explain her BAT results to me since the vet was with a client when I picked up her records.

Thanks!

with those bats I would skip internal medicine and just go right to neurologist as those bats are not bad at all which is what i thought she is pre 15 and post 42.9 and this is what i was afraid of - go to neurologist you want to see they know about liver shunt too as it affects brain but my gut all along is this is neurological and not liver shunt. She probably has MVD not LIVER SHUNT - my dd was post 73 then 54 and then 26 on low protein and she never did this and she is on steroids and soloxine two drugs that affect liver so get her to the NEUROLOGIST he will get to the bottom of this - save your money see the one specialist that knows about both

[mly]

Thanks, the thing is...I called both places and the one in Santa Rosa stated that I'll have to do an office call for both internal med ($125) and an office call for the neuro ($150). They deal with both the liver shunt and anything neuro but their MRI is $3500-$3700. I wanted to see the neuro in Roseville because their MRI is only $1800-$2700 but they don't deal with liver shunt.

Would you say, since she only has MVD, should I continue her on the prescription diet l/d or can I feed her anything low protein? Does this also mean I can discontinue the lactalous?

Also, I had the vet call in to Costco for Bella's refill on lactalous and I cannot believe how much cheaper it is!!

[TLC]

IMO I don't think she has a liver shunt. Those results are really really quite low. She may have MVD or no liver issues at all. Did she get any shots or pain meds recently, or heartworm pills or flea tick meds, as they can skew the BAT results.

Her head tilt, etc really seems neurological.

The l/d and lactulose can't hurt, but if she is having HE symptoms, the clavamox and lactulose and diet should be diminishing it very soon. Do you notice any difference in her? Is she getting better?

[mly]

She hasn't had anything results shots or anything so there's nothing that would screw up the BAT results. I've had her on the diet and meds since Friday afternoon she's been the same or maybe a little worst. She's sort of limping now and normally she's able to walk up and down the stairs but she can't do that now. She'll fall to the right side and I'll just have to pick her up. I've noticed, she doesn't turn clockwise anymore either and if you were standing to her right, she wouldn't be able to see you (unless you call for her and she turns around counter clockwise until she see's you there).

I've also noticed, her hair is getting really thin on her head and does not know if this as anything to do with it.

I'm actually just waiting for the vet to refer us to the neuro place in roseville tomorrow until I can actually make an appt with them.

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by TLC

IMO I don't think she has a liver shunt. Those results are really really quite low. She may have MVD or no liver issues at all. Did she get any shots or pain meds recently, or heartworm pills or flea tick meds, as they can skew the BAT results.

Her head tilt, etc really seems neurological.

The l/d and lactulose can't hurt, but if she is having HE symptoms, the clavamox and lactulose and diet should be diminishing it very soon. Do you notice any difference in her? Is she getting better?

i agree 100% and questioned the lactulose and clavamox as really wanted those numbers - I would do a phone consult with dr centers about the lactulose and clavamox as i personally do not think your dog needs it and have a feeling your dog will be on steroids for this issue but neurologist will go over all this - I would get her in asap to neurologist and tomorrow call dr centers and discuss. I think the low protein diet of 18%-22% would be good for her but these symptoms are not from liver shunt and since your dog has not had any issues food related I really did not think these bats would be high. When you talk to dr centers ask her if she thinks your dog should be on lactulose and clavamox as i think the low protein diet right now yes but the other not so sure it is going to help

[mly]

Also, I noticed that she hasn't touched her water bowl in 2 days. Is there a way I can make her drink water?

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by mly

She hasn't had anything results shots or anything so there's nothing that would screw up the BAT results. I've had her on the diet and meds since Friday afternoon she's been the same or maybe a little worst. She's sort of limping now and normally she's able to walk up and down the stairs but she can't do that now. She'll fall to the right side and I'll just have to pick her up. I've noticed, she doesn't turn clockwise anymore either and if you were standing to her right, she wouldn't be able to see you (unless you call for her and she turns around counter clockwise until she see's you there).

I've also noticed, her hair is getting really thin on her head and does not know if this as anything to do with it.

I'm actually just waiting for the vet to refer us to the neuro place in roseville tomorrow until I can actually make an appt with them.

call the place they may take you without referral - we do not need referrals here get her in asap if she is getting worse she needs to get it now - the lactulose, food and clavamox would not be making her worse

when did all this head tilting start happening?

[TLC]

Good I am glad you are getting a referral. That is best and I am sure They will be able to give you more answers. I know how frustrating this all is. You and Bella are in my prayers. Keep us posted and we will be here for you.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by mly

Also, I noticed that she hasn't touched her water bowl in 2 days. Is there a way I can make her drink water?

The wet l/d has more moisture than dry food.

You can feed her little pieces of watermelon and apple (no skin)

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by mly

Also, I noticed that she hasn't touched her water bowl in 2 days. Is there a way I can make her drink water?

do you use spring bottled water? change the water 3-4 times a day - she is getting moisture in food but if she does not drink with bottled water changes then put a little low sodium organic broth from whole foods in there to entice drinking but do not let it sit out all day

[wemple2]

I agree with the others, she needs to see a neurologist and soon. An MRI of the brain and spine, especially C-spine/neck. Good luck, don't hesitate...there is something wrong and she needs help quick.
P.S. Don't even let her jump off furniture, no rough housing with her, keep her as calm and quiet as possible, I really think she is in a very fragile state right now. Good luck, my thoughts and prayers are with you...

[mly]

Originally Posted by dwerten

call the place they may take you without referral - we do not need referrals here get her in asap if she is getting worse she needs to get it now - the lactulose, food and clavamox would not be making her worse

when did all this head tilting start happening?

I've actually called them several times and they wouldn't let me make an appt until I get a referral.

The head tilting started 2 Fridays ago.

Should I still be worried about her water intake even though the wet l/d has more moisture in it. She doesn't like fruits or veggies either.

[dwerten]

sounds to me like she needs steroids to get inflamation down so hopefully you can get her in soon

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by mly

I've actually called them several times and they wouldn't let me make an appt until I get a referral.

The head tilting started 2 Fridays ago.

Should I still be worried about her water intake even though the wet l/d has more moisture in it. She doesn't like fruits or veggies either.

get some low sodium broth and freeze it in ice cubes and then let her lick it and the sodium will make her thirsty hopefully so she gets more water in her

[mly]

Originally Posted by dwerten

are you in eureka, California? are you near ucdavis ?

Dwerten, when you asked about UCDavis, were you talking about the teaching school there? My vet mentioned them today to me and I'm actually going to take Bella there instead of Roseville or Santa Rosa. Have you heard if they're good? We have an appt on Monday the 8th and I'm so relieved that we might have an answer soon.

Off topic but how would get you something out of your yorkie's eye? Bella gets hair in her eye sometimes and I can only imagine how much that would bug.