***Tibbe Sick At The Vet. Need Your Prayers.***

[MomtoJasper]

Ive been reading today's posts to catch up on you and Tibbe. What is this "BAT" you are having done on Monday?

[Lisa and Pic]

Just reading this thread.. Prayers for Tibbe and you are such a good momma taking care of him and making sure all areas are covered.

[Patti]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I was hesitant to suggest BATs. Last person kind of brushed me off. Guess I should not hesitate eh?
Glad you are doing it...because as Crystal said, it happens more than we realize.
Tibbe's may be just fine....just always good to know! And IF he did have something like MVD you would only need a diet change....and that would stop the issues IF it were that. And, if a shunt, easily fixed!

I'm pretty sure you're referring to me. I did not brush you off. I just followed my gut instinct and vet's experience in choosing not to do a BAT on Roxie. I have 43 years of experience owning Yorkies and have always done whatever is best for them health wise. I have one MVD dog and she gets the best care as all my dogs do. Money is never a consideration as I have insurance on all of them and money to cover any expenses they should need. I always appreciate people's input but I am always going to do what I and my vet of 23 years feel is the best for my dogs.

I hope Tibbe feels better soon.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Patti

I'm pretty sure you're referring to me. I did not brush you off. I just followed my gut instinct and vet's experience in choosing not to do a BAT on Roxie. I have 43 years of experience owning Yorkies and have always done whatever is best for them health wise. I have one MVD dog and she gets the best care as all my dogs do. Money is never a consideration as I have insurance on all of them and money to cover any expenses they should need. I always appreciate people's input but I am always going to do what I and my vet of 23 years feel is the best for my dogs.

I hope Tibbe feels better soon.

Patti, does your girl have symptoms similar to Tibbe's or does she have something else going on? My head is spinning - I may have read that thread in the last week and lost sleep and worry have zapped my memory!

And, is the test really hard on the dog or very painful? I had thought it just a vein stick after fasting, with later, fatty meal and second stick? It seems it might be more than that if you choose not to get it? What are they going to do, do you know?

[Mistymillar]

I so hope Tibbe is feeling much better soon. I am almost always overwhelmed when I read about our poor sick babies. I am feeling so sad right now for you and thinking this poor breed of dog has been so over/under/inter/ultra bred that it is so very hard to find tip top healthy dogs.
So much conflicting or confusing information and so many ill prepared vets.
Feeling so very sad right now for you, Tibbe and wee Alfie.

[teacup0819]

Sorry to hear that Tibbe isn't feeling well but I'm glad he's home with you. I definitely would go with what u feel....u know Tibbe better than anyone. I hope everything comes out fine....keep me posted

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by MomtoJasper

Ive been reading today's posts to catch up on you and Tibbe. What is this "BAT" you are having done on Monday?

Bile Acid Test. It can tell how well the liver is doing removing bile acids from the blood after digestion of fatty foods.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by teacup0819

Sorry to hear that Tibbe isn't feeling well but I'm glad he's home with you. I definitely would go with what u feel....u know Tibbe better than anyone. I hope everything comes out fine....keep me posted

He's quite weird again this afternoon and evening. Acts normally at times when dogs bark in the neighborhood or a bird lands in the back yard, he's barking a bit but didn't eat hardly any dinner, isn't really playful and isn't doing his tricks with any flare, and he wouldn't even do one of them. He just would not even attempt to roll over on his back and stay until released. Wouldn't even roll over at all. He stands in the floor and looks at me a lot but when I run through his usual list of wants, I get no reaction - just a stare. He's trying to tell me he's not right. When he had pneumonia he did the same thing - just stared at me until I took him to a vet.

After leaving the vet yesterday, I was hoping he would bounce back from this as usual but this time he just hasn't yet. He's not vomiting or having diarrhea now thankfully. He's gained 9 oz. in the last 12 months or so. He's 6 lbs. now.

[Yogi yorkie]

Hope Tibbe feels better soon, my Yogi had the Bile Acid tests, it's just drawing blood so not to bad. His was normal, and he went on to several other tests before diagnosis of encephalitis. Taking a form of prednisone now and showing lots of improvement so keep on looking for what is wrong, so it can be dealt with and treated! Good luck, thoughts are with you both!

[Carmeow]

Jeanie, you know your Tibbe, and he's obviously not been himself. So don't feel bad for being proactive in figuring out the problem! I'm happy to hear his bloodwork came back normal, but I think you will have more peace of mind after the BAT comes back okay as well. Hoping the ex diet helps his tummy and he gets back to himself! I'm sure he can sense your worry and fear...I'll keep praying for Tibbe and mama!

[yorkietalkjilly]

I just watched that awful Ginger video on YouTube and am scared to death. Tibbe has rubbed his face on corners of the wall ever since I got him. He doesn't do it except sometimes when I go to the restroom where there is a sharp corner that sticks out around the linen cupboard or when I take him outside. He'll get all excited and sometimes rub his face against the corner of his doggie steps as I'm getting up and opening the door and then come running. He's not been doing it this week but he's always done that. That Ginger video is frightening. That poor little dog looked miserable and hopeless. She died. Tibbe doesn't drool or circle or wander around aimlessly or act blind like Ginger did. Or show weakness or a lack of coordination. He is restless and lethargic when his tummy is gassy and loud. I sure wish I hadn't seen that video or read any more about liver shunt tonight.

[lisaly]

I believe the purpose of having the BAT test is to ease your mind. I don't have experience with liver shunt, but I've read so much about it here. I highly doubt he has it, but I don't think you'll rest easy without taking the test. What I do know about livershunt or MVD is that they can be managed and/or cured with diet changes and/or surgery that is very successful. I understand your fear, and I am afraid with you until we see Tibbe start acting more normally. But I know in my heart that he will be okay because he has you to love and care for him. You have given him such a charmed life, and he has reciprocated and given you that life, too. You are truly a beautiful person, a very caring, special mother, and a very caring friend. I have a deep respect for you because you care about others, and you have also created such an eventful, loving, active, nurturing, healthy, protective, proactive, and healthy life for Tibbe. You also work to stimulate his mind and work with him in obedience and agility. Tibbe loves you withall his heart and soul, and I can understand why. He also knows that he trusts you and that you will be there for him any time he needs you. You are a beautiful role model on YT, and you are a truly special person who I've grown to care so deeply for and also your darling Tibbe. If at any time you want to talk for some support, PM me, and I'll give you my cell phone number. Hugs and kisses for you and Tibbe,
Lisa, John, and Katie

[MyDearSam]

How beautifully expressed, Lisa!

Jeanie, STAY OFF THE YOUTUBE! Don't you know - the trouble looked for is most oft found? ((Hugs))

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I just watched that awful Ginger video on YouTube and am scared to death. Tibbe has rubbed his face on corners of the wall ever since I got him. He doesn't do it except sometimes when I go to the restroom where there is a sharp corner that sticks out around the linen cupboard or when I take him outside. He'll get all excited and sometimes rub his face against the corner of his doggie steps as I'm getting up and opening the door and then come running. He's not been doing it this week but he's always done that. That Ginger video is frightening. That poor little dog looked miserable and hopeless. She died. Tibbe doesn't drool or circle or wander around aimlessly or act blind like Ginger did. Or show weakness or a lack of coordination. He is restless and lethargic when his tummy is gassy and loud. I sure wish I hadn't seen that video or read any more about liver shunt tonight.

Oh my gosh, Jeanie!! I know the exact video you are talking about because I just watched it a week ago to figure out exactly what head pressing looked like as I was unclear. I was not prepared for that video and I bawled and was a mess for hours.

Stay off of google and youtube and the like right now. You know we tell everyone that. Just know what you know and that is what the vet has told you. The BAT is just to reassure and rule out anything (hopefully) but not because it's likely Tibbe has liver shunt. I don't think it is likely. I just think it warrants checking. Until you have another diagnosis than the one you have, don't ask for worries so don't go searching the net.

[Ellie May]

You are right. Blood draws before and after eating. It is not hard on the dog at all. You can even take pup home in between blood draws for the two hours if you don't give access to food.