High BAT, Kidney Stones, Liver Shunt
 

Hi Everyone,

Looking for assistance with my situation with our precious Lily. A few months ago Lily started having blood in her urine, our Vet thought it was a UTI and treated her twice with antibiotics however it kept returning and we found a connection between giving her chicken or meat mixed in with her dog food and this bleeding. Last week our vet decided to do an ultrasound to look at her kidneys and discovered they were both filled with stones. She could not determine what type of stones. An x-ray was done showing nothing. A urine test was done and it did not show any crystals. She then decided to a Bile Acid Test and we were alarmed today to find out the results. Her pre was 166and post was 209. Way off the charts. I was told this was indicative of a possible liver shunt. Lily is 4 and other than the bleeding in the urine, no other obvious signs, other than occassionally staring into space. She eats well and has quite a bit of energy.
My vet said that there office does not handle any further tests to determine the extent and a specialist needs to be involved but could not really provide me with anyone in particular in our area, other than Tufts In Boston, which I do not see alot about on here. I have read that the best places are Cornell and Univ Of Tenn but that would be very difficult for us to do. Has anyone heard anything about Tufts recently.
The type of shunt needs to be determined and whether or not another ultrasound is the way to go or a scintigraph.
It is all so overwhelming and we are devasted by this news.
Thank you for any help.

Tufts does have some great Vets, perhaps you can contact a rescue in your area and they could recommend a vet to you , if you plan on taking her into Boston you could contact Yorkies Inc. Placement Service , maybe they could give you some vet references in the Boston area? Kerri is a member of YT... They have had several Liver Shut dogs!

I am NOT suggesting you surrender your dog <3

I'm so sorry that you and Lily are going thru this. You will be in my prayers.

Thank you for the info on yorkies inc. I have sent over an email requesting any assistance some referrals.
It is all so overwhelming.

Thank you for the prayers.

If UT and cornell are too far, then just do the best you can. Tufts would be fine. Angell may also do shunt surgery. You might have options (ask for success rate, way that they close them, etc.).

I can't seem to find alot on tufts. How I wish I was near the Univ of Tenn. right now. I just can't believe this is happening. Her BAT was so alarming today, I just think once we find out what type of shunt this, it will be easier to figure out the next step.

Hi,

It is Kerri from Yorkies Inc. I love Tufts in Grafton and actually just left there today...Satin one of our rescues needed surgery for breathing issues... our Cupid had his trachea stent surgery there and Butternut is seeing a neurologist from Tufts....

However we do not use them for liver shunt surgeries...for any liver issues we go to Dr. Kochin at Cape Cod Vet Specialists. I highly recommend him. We have had great success with him. He has traveled the country speaking about liver shunt and also worked with Dr. Center....

Hi Kerry,
Thank you so much. I just had sent you a prayer for Satin on FB, was on your page and also asked the question about referrals, so I think we crossed paths. I am all over the place tonight trying to find answers. I also just rec'd an email from Cathie who also suggested Dr. Kockin and I am starting to feel a bit more relieved that there is a specialist in the area that can help us. I am just hoping that someone up here can at least determine through a scintigraph that it is in fact a liver shunt and where it it located, so we at least know.

Christine

Hi,

Thank you for the prayers...she is doing well.

If you need anything and I can help...just let me know. Isn't it so scary when our little ones are sick and we are not sure exactly what is going on...

I will keep little Lily in my thoughts and prayers.

I have been to Angell a few times for other matters not involving the liver (dental, nutrition, neurology) and love that place. Our dog Daisy who has liver issues sees the internists at OSVS in Rhode Island so we have never seen the internist at Angell but I wanted to share my positive experience at Angell.

I wish the best for you and your Lily.