While I wait...info on LS
 

Nancy said I needed to post this. Chipper threw up yesterday at noon and then again at 2:00. Decided to take him to the vet. He had an anal gland that she described as "very hot and full." I mentioned that I am always so scared of LS because he is from a byb. She decided to run a blood test. Everything was normal except the ALT was 1,863 and the BUN was 35. Decided to do a sonogram. Couldn't find the liver. Took an x-ray and said she thought the liver looked small. None of these are good signs.:( She wants to do a fasting test on Friday. Been thinking that maybe I should just head off to the U of Tenn. that specializes in LS. My question is....since he is asymptomatic what is my time limit? Tomorrow, a week, a month? My vet also put Chipper on k/d canned food. Thought l/d was what was recommended. He has not thrown up since yesterday afternoon and is as feisty as ever.

Now this is why I am hoping there is a mistake. She ran tons of tests on Cocoa and said she had Cushings. Turned out to be EPI. Just don't know how the ALT # can be so high and he doesn't have any other symptom. Yes, yes.....I know I am grasping at straws. We are just so devastated because he is my only normal Yorkie. The two senior girls are both so traumatized by their past.

Nancy gave me a link that makes me think that we are headed for the LS diagnosis. I am so sad.:( ~Joanne~

I am so sorry your Chipper is not feeling well and will say a prayer for him and also for you.

There are lots of people here who can give you good information. In the meantime, try not to get too worked up until you know for sure what you are dealing with.

I believe she put him on K/D because of the BUN being elevated. That should also be low in protein. But...ask your vet anyway! I always question the whys of what my vet prescribes so that I know ...I don't like to leave there with questions because then I worry more.

My suggestion would be to take your baby to Dr. Tobias.

With Dr Center's protocol on running bile acids, it is unnecessary to do a fast. In order to get an accurate Bile Acid Test...it's in the process on how the blood is drawn and tubes used. Dr. Tobias is very familiar with Dr Center's protocol. However, Dr. Center's has made herself available to any vet requiring assistance and instruction.

Again it is unnecessary to run a fasting...I'm attempting to find The Yorkie Gazette where it has her protocol printed....I'm looking all over this house for it.

As far as time limit.....Better now while he's asymptomatic.

Does that mean I need to get on the phone tomorrow and make an appointment? Do I need my vet to call? Thanks for info.

You can call directly....At least I would....I'm not sure how the whole situation is handled....But, I do know that the sooner the better.....

I'm still looking for that particular issue of Yorkie Express......I'm turning this house upside down...and it's buried somewhere.

Oh by the way. I do know that Dr Tobia's Husband just passed away.

If you dog is currently not symptomatic; then you probably have a little time to plan and decide what is best.

Sounds like your next step is the BAT - which you may decide to do locally or to visit Dr. Tobias if that is possible for you. My Vet does the testing locally - but sends away for the results. It stil only took a couple of days to get the numbers back. Those numbers are going to help you decide where to go from there.

I wouldn't wait indefinitely - but don't think you have to go tomorrow or next week either.

Best of Luck and keep us posted on your little one.

I am so appreciative of the information that is being given to me. I just sent an e-mail to my vet with a link to Dr. Tobias. That's too bad about her husband. Guess all we can do is call and see when she'll be back. Dr. Centers was mentioned. Does she have a site? Would like to give that to my vet. My vet has been terrific working with Cocoa who has EPI and I expect her to be the same with this issue. I do, though, want to have the best care for Chipper if it comes to that.

One other thing.....is there any chance that kibble could affect the numbers? I just recently changed Chipper over to Orejin. I did hear a little blip about that. Thanks again. ~Joanne~

Dr Center is out of Cornell University. Since I can't find my Yorkie Gazette, I'd PM Dwerten for the contact information.

I've heard at times that kibbles can skew the numbers. But, don't jump to any conclusions at this point, wait until all the tests are in. I really think your first thought of seeing Dr Tobias...is the best route....but, there is no harm for a back-up plan.

I just found information that Dr. Tobias requires a referral so that she knows that there is a vet who can help when the doggie goes home. I have been sending some of the links about Dr. Tobias to my vet.

If you can get in touch with Dr. Center so she can instruct your vet on the correct method for the Bile Acid test.........

Okay, I found Dr. Centers e-mail and telephone number. Forwarded it to my vet. Also noticed that Texas A&M works with liver shunts. Any thoughts? That would be closer, I think.

Dr. Center is one of the experts in the field, she actually developed the Bile Acid Test....

I'm not sure about Texas A&M. But, my vet out of Texas who sits on the board with Dr. Center may be able to assist you. Dr. Robert Hawthorne -214-328-3255. He'd be able to give you more info on Texas A&M

We had a LS pup a couple of years ago that went to A&M and she did fine. I do think they are more expensive than UT. I also have heard so many positive things about Dr. Tobias that I am not sure if I would go to A&M for LS.

Just want to thank everyone for information, thoughts, and opinions. They are greatly appreciated. Good night everyone. Have a great Thursday. ~Joanne~