fluid in belly - urgent - help please?
 

My Billie turns 6 tomorrow. Her belly got very large over Xmas but I thought it was bcse I was feeding her too much. It went away on its own.

It happened again in the last 6 weeks or so. I took her to the vet, and her belly is filled with clear fluid (they drained it and tested it, no cells, no nothing). That vet believes it is lymphangiectasia. Billie does not have diarrhea (which my internet reading says almost always happens with this diagnosis), she eats voraciously, she is so happy and her quality of life remains excellent.

I took her to a holistic vet, she has not ruled out the original diagnosis but she says its possibly liver related...shunt?

Has anyone had their pup fill with liquid? We have been without hope, and were going to put her to sleep this week with the original concern that if we don't, her lungs will fill with the fluid and drown her. But we just can't do it with her being so happy, and mobile, and loving. Other that the big belly, she truly seems fine. Neither vet has seen this in a yorkie before.

Billie is on an ultra-low-fat diet now and holistic medicines (holistic vet). Other vet is recommending plasma transfusion and steroids. Both offer a very low prognosis, but this is dependant on getting the right diagnosis and while one vet is convinced its lymphangiectasia, the other one is not.

We have done extensive blood work, xrays, ultrasounds. She is having her bile acid test tomorrow. The vets are both asking us to take Billie to a the critical care unit for more imaging (she has had 2 ultrasounds, including a very expensive one that was reviewed by an ultrastenographer), possible biopsy. I don't know how much to put her through, at what cost, and to what end.

Please, if anyone has expereinced something similar, or has any thoughts, please let me know. Any and all advice would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks so much.

I'm sure someone here will have some answers for you, i just wanted to say i'm sorry Billie is sick. I hope you get some answers and i'm sending out prayers for a good outcome.:)

I am so sorry ... I wish I could help but I haven't a clue on this disease...Just sending prayers and hugs.

I am sorry to hear this. Have you tried an internal medicine specialist?

wow i will pray for ur puppy i say go to another vet and c what they say then u will know for sure if shes acting fine then it cant be that bad right? try google as well

12 year old yorkie, swollen stomach, off his foo... - JustAnswer

but i dont think ur doggy has this bc hes acting totally fine so its diff than what she describes it might not be liver shunt (sp)

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of liver shunt may include excessive drinking, depression, weakness, poor appetite, frequent urination, vomiting, drooling, and a general lack of interest in activities. Puppies with liver shunt are also prone to frequent urinary tract infections. If you suspect that your puppy may have a liver shunt, observe him or her closely after they have eaten. A dramatic increase in the severity of symptoms is a sign of liver shunt. Your puppy may also exhibit unusual behaviors, such as running in circles.

Although less common, you should be aware that liver shunts can develop in older Yorkies. The symptoms are the same as discussed of the case of a puppy.

Liver Shunt

thanks bunnysmommy for the info, i read everything...its so difficult...she seems happy and comfortable. i am so hopeful that she can make it thru this.

I don't know about dogs, but people with liver problems do retain a lot of fluid in their abdominal cavity. It's called "ascites."

Billie has pulled through, we are off the stressful and devastating "death watch" this has been a difficult and scary time for us, she is diagnosed with lymphangiectasia, a protein losing entropathy (my spelling is probably off). We went with both vets, eastern and western medicine. billie is now on an ultra low fat diet which my other pup is jealous of (she gets bison with pureed veggies, he gets go natural kibble).

Billie is still on fairly high doses of prednasone, but the fluid is all but gone and she seems to be doing really well. the hope is as she is weaned onto lower doses of the steroid, she will stay okay. having her still with us is an absolute gift and more than I could have ever expected after seeing my little 5 pounder at 8 pounds with fluid build up.

Thanks everyone for your help, thoughts and prayers,

Lisa.

Oh I am so relieved that your sweet Billie is recovering. How terrifying for you all. It was so scary reading your post.

Remember Diet is EVERYTHING when it comes to lymphangiectasia.

i am so glad to read that Billie is doing better! keep up the good work!

glad billie is doing better