Are there always definate symptoms of liver shunt Our baby may have liver shunt, it may be epilepsy. Atleast those are the only 2 things they say it can be. Has anyone had these symptoms? 4 nights ago, our 2 pound yorkie had a seizure, very bad one. Since then over the next 3 days even while in hospital for 2 days had continued having them often even on meds. she also has no other symptoms of liver shunt. However now today she is back to normal but she is still on valium and prednesone. If anyone has had this problem please let me know. Pray for epilepsy. |
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My Teddy has epilepsy so I know what it is like to have your dog suffer from a severe seizure. We first ruled out all medical causes of Teddy's seizures and we did blood work and bile acids testing. His were all normal and that pointed more to something like epilepsy. We saw a neurologist who did testing and Teddy was finally diagnosed. Did your vet do a bile acids test? Also, if liver shunt is suspected, it is best to get this baby to an internal medicine specialist right away. I'll also ask the moderator to move your post to the sick and injured forum so you get more responses. |
Elvis is epileptic (he has cluster seizures) when he first had them the vet's first concern was if he had come in contact with anything, the second was liver shunt...he had multiple testings done before epilepsy was determined, it's my understanding epilepsy is often only diagnoses after everything but neurological issues are ruled out, then you may get a referral to a neurologist..we got back the LS testing (bile acid and some do ultra sound/xrays also) relatively quickly but the vet insisted on test for it twice at separate times to be sure. Go here immediately even if its not epilepsy be sure to not give you dog anything that can induce or trigger seizures in the mean time-very important. We had a HUGE rosemary bush in the yard and had to remove it...and still have to continual be sure of his diet and exposures. http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ http://www.canine-epilepsy.net . |
I'm sorry about your baby :( Soo tiny Are the vets/specialists doing testing to rule out shunt and or epilepsy? Sending hugs and good thoughts that they get her back to health quickly! PS: if you post this in the sick and injured forum, you will probably get a lot of feedback with those who have been through the same, hugs! |
Wiggles has all blood work within normal ranges but our vet wont do live bile test till no seizures for 10 days we are so scared. Thank you so much for all your suggestions, and I will repost in the sick forum. |
when my tiki weighed 2 lbs ,she had a seizure caused by a puppy flea & tick collar. i had cut it down to fit her but it was still too strong for little body needless to say no more flea collars. very scary, will pray for your little one. |
If the seizures are bc of Liver Shunt, Lactulose will help clear the toxins quickly from her system, and stop the seizures quicker than valium. Ask your vet about it, as it is prescription medication. In a dog that is seizing due to toxins from LS, Lactulose can be administered rectally in an enema. The instructions are on the label. The worst side effect from Lactulose is diarrhea, and if your dog does not have LS, the Lactulose won't hurt her. Also, prednisone can cause inaccurate results in a BAT (Bile Acid Test). |
How old is your baby ? Did your baby recently have vaccinations ? AAI, Chiari & GME can all have same symptoms as Liver Shunt. |
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http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...-symptons.html Her doggie is 2lbs at 3 years old... no vacs mentioned. |
Lots of YT in Il, they may be able to direct you to a good diagnostic vet... Quote:
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Various things can cause a seizure believe it or not, even parasite infection, ie worms coccidia giardia. Make sure it isn't one of these but your vet would need to screen/treat if that is the case. If seizuring from LS, I would suspect I would also see the other symptoms such as head pressing, circling, anorexia. One symptom is not enough to be sure of LS. Also, Bile Acids can be high due to other causes than liver shunt. If they are high and LS is still suspected, ultra sound and especially a colour doplar can give you a proper diagnosis. Never go with just the BA result. Even sulpha meds for treating coccidia can give a high BA reading just for one example. |
My Calvin had no symptons prior to being diagnosed with a liver shunt. He went in to be neutered and the vet did the pre-op blood work and his levels were high. He was actually surprised that he didnt have any symptons because his levels were so high. He didnt have any seizures until about a week before his surgery. |
How is he now? Are you able to manage. What is his prognosis? Its wonderful to meet people going thru this. |
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Thank you for asking. He is fine. He came through the surgery like a trooper. He just had his six month follow-up and his levels are still elevated. The vet said it could be one of two things: first that his major shunt hasnt closed all the way (which he says is unlikely) and second that he has micro vascular shunts (which isnt uncommon). He has to stay on the prescription food and lactulose and be retested in a year. The vet said that most dogs do fine on the prescription food and lactulose. He has gained over a pound a half since his surgery. He looks great and seems great! |
From the other thread: Yesterday, 06:31 PM wiggles moma She had another small seizure this morning, at least we think that is what it was. She was wobbly and couldnt walk right after her meds. Maybe it was just she was a little drunk from the meds. Cant seem to get the vet to help at all. Is it normal to wait 10 days to test the bile acid? He says she has to be normal before testing or the results wont be accurate. I am ready to switch vets. Not sure what to do. Thank you all for your prayers she is a rescue dog that no one wanted because she is crippled I will try and post her picture later. But thank you all for your prayers, Yesterday, 10:20 PM 107barney Quote: Originally Posted by wiggles moma She had another small seizure this morning, at least we think that is what it was. She was wobbly and couldnt walk right after her meds. Maybe it was just she was a little drunk from the meds. Cant seem to get the vet to help at all. Is it normal to wait 10 days to test the bile acid? He says she has to be normal before testing or the results wont be accurate. I am ready to switch vets. Not sure what to do. Thank you all for your prayers she is a rescue dog that no one wanted because she is crippled I will try and post her picture later. But thank you all for your prayers, I'd be at a board certified internal medicine veterinarian personally. I am so sorry she is going through so much. I am not sure about waiting the 10 days for bile acids, but it may be because of the medicines used for the seizures and their impact on liver functioning. __________________ I agree, I'd get another opinion asap, maybe even an ER Vet, if a specialist isn't available.... tell them it is an emergency that she be seen. Seizures can cause permanent brain damage, and if she has LS one has to be very careful with any medications given to her.... Since she's having break through seizures (not controlled by the meds) it's important see be seen asap. |
How far are you from the University of Illinois? Here's a link with a phone number: Services for Dogs & Cats | University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital They do emergencies, internal, and neurology.... From the link: Small Animal Clinic General appointments and emergencies: 217.333.5300 Our Hours Our general service hours are 8 am to 5 pm. Emergency – 24 hours a day/365 days per year. No appointment is necessary. We encourage you to call ahead to speak with a veterinarian so we can be prepared for your specific needs. Specialty Services – Hours vary by service area. Please contact us to discuss appointment times. Primary Care (Small Animal) Tuesday, Thursday 2 pm - 8 pm Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday, 10 am - 3 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 11 am |
Checking in for an update... how is your little one doing? |
Wiggles is improving Sorry put the message in a different space. She is doing great 7 days no seizure. yes!!! She had a bile acid test today and should have results in about 4 more days. Thinking she is going to be ok. Meds controlling seizures. She weighed 2.3 pounds today so up .1 of a pound good news. She has gotten so spoild since all this if we set down she expects to be in one of our laps. Once again thank each and every one of you for all your prayers. |
Just remember, there are treatments for both Liver Shunt and Yorkie Encephalitis. (the thread you first posted in was an old thread). Another disorder possible would be Epilepsy. Also keep in mind that the Bile Acids Test results could be elevated for other reasons, and the fact that she is taking Prenisone. Keeping you and your sweet baby in my prayers... |
wiggles test results came back positive for ls today we are taking her to St Louis on Tuesday to see a specialist Say a prayer for her. Poor little baby. The reason the vet waited to do bile acid test was to get prednisone out of her system. I understand more now. |
I am so sorry to hear Wiggles is so sick Quote:
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Yes, hope wiggles is ok. |
I just read about Wiggles and wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how he is doing now. |
Prayers being sent to Wiggles.... |
Checking in for an update on Wiggles... hope all is well... |
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