Tibbe's BAT Test Abnormal and Levels High!!!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I'm sorry to hear Tibbe isn't feeling well today. It's impossible not to worry when it comes to any health problem, but take comfort in knowing that there are so many pups here who have been successfully treated for shunt, MVD, and related issues. When do you go for the scintography?

Sending gentle hugs to your little boy.

Thank you, Kristin.

His scintigraphy is this coming Wednesday at 10:00 am. The imaging center is located on the grounds of the Las Colinas Equestrian Center in a tony area of Dallas so one would hope the rich customers demand only the best for their very expensive horses and dogs - at least I hope and pray that's the case. I would imagine they have some excellent veterinarians there with a specialty in radiology and nuclear medicine but I don't know, of course. Their founder is out of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine so I guess that is good. They do have a Small Animal subspecialty testing practice it seems. Tibbe will have to have anesthesia for the test which paralyzes me to think of now, knowing what he probably has.

He does seem to be perkier tonight and has eaten his dinner and asked for more. Time for his Metro so better go give it. I don't like him being so sleepy at times but boy is it better than his restlessness and hyper behavior and itching of those nights earlier this week!

[Maximo]

I'm happy to hear that Tibbe wanted to eat tonight.

Sounds like you found a good place to have his scintography done. Tibbe and you are in my prayers.

[Connie]

I'm so sorry to hear that Tibbe didn't have a good day. Praying for that little sweetheart! Glad he ate this evening!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Thank you, Kristin.

His scintigraphy is this coming Wednesday at 10:00 am. The imaging center is located on the grounds of the Las Colinas Equestrian Center in a tony area of Dallas so one would hope the rich customers demand only the best for their very expensive horses and dogs - at least I hope and pray that's the case. I would imagine they have some excellent veterinarians there with a specialty in radiology and nuclear medicine but I don't know, of course. Their founder is out of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine so I guess that is good. They do have a Small Animal subspecialty testing practice it seems. Tibbe will have to have anesthesia for the test which paralyzes me to think of now, knowing what he probably has.

He does seem to be perkier tonight and has eaten his dinner and asked for more. Time for his Metro so better go give it. I don't like him being so sleepy at times but boy is it better than his restlessness and hyper behavior and itching of those nights earlier this week!

Try not to worry too much about the anesthesia, Jeanie. Look at my Teddy Bear...he had surgery on his leg years ago and has had dentals each year and is ok! His shunt was just repaired recently (we had no idea he had one and he is fine now)...and that was during surgery for bladder stones. They know what they are dealing with and will be very careful with him!

[Verbena]

I am glad to hear he is asking for more food. My thoughts and blessings are with you both. Hugs

[yorkietalkjilly]

Thanks for the encouragement, Linda. I imagine they do know what they do but human error and things like that niggle in there to worry us at times and then our better selves slap that back down when we read and think reasonably. He's perkier and eating, pooping, peeing and acting much more normal this morning. He's had a whole 1/4 cup of softened and microwaved kibble, had his morning dose of Metronidazole 20 mg. and is now resting again. And that's kind of typical for Tibbe - he's usually quiet when on most medicine.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Here are the links lisaly/Lisa sent. If you have a small dog with tummy troubles or off, explicable behavior, intermittent weakness, lack of coordination, vet him and ask for a Bile Acids Test:

ACVS - Hepatic Microvascular Dysplasia or Portal Atresia

Portosystemic Shunts

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs.../diagnosis.php

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/shunt/faq.pdf

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...rShuntDiet.pdf

[yorkietalkjilly]

Thank you all for those prayers and thoughts. We're getting there and maybe soon we'll know what is going on with him and can treat him properly. Please pray he doesn't need surgery.

[107barney]

Good luck!!

[spiritwings1202]

Thinking about Tibbe today and wanted to let you know that you have been in my on my mind and in my prayers.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Thank you all for those prayers and thoughts. We're getting there and maybe soon we'll know what is going on with him and can treat him properly. Please pray he doesn't need surgery.

Praying Tibbe doesn't have to go through surgery, but if he does, he will be in capable hands. It's hard on both of you to go through all of this, but it's comforting to finally have the answers to solve problems.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Praying Tibbe doesn't have to go through surgery, but if he does, he will be in capable hands. It's hard on both of you to go through all of this, but it's comforting to finally have the answers to solve problems.

I agree....and I will continue to pray for him...and you as well, Jeanie. He is a lucky boy to have a mom who will do what it takes to give him the best in veterinary care!! I am confident he is going to be fine.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Thank you all so! Linda, I'm going to read all of Teddy's thread today. I read all of Lisa's links and more yesterday and have a pretty good what is going on with the liver problems with Yorkies and so many small dogs. I agree with Lisa that so far at least it's sounding more like MVD just from his symptoms and BAT but who knows.

He does have a bit of a skip in his step and a little fire in his eyes early this afternoon. But he's so up and down with his N&V and tummy troubles, it can change so fast. But we're enjoying this now.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Thank you all so! Linda, I'm going to read all of Teddy's thread today. I read all of Lisa's links and more yesterday and have a pretty good what is going on with the liver problems with Yorkies and so many small dogs. I agree with Lisa that so far at least it's sounding more like MVD just from his symptoms and BAT but who knows.

He does have a bit of a skip in his step and a little fire in his eyes early this afternoon. But he's so up and down with his N&V and tummy troubles, it can change so fast. But we're enjoying this now.

I have not updated Teddy Bear's thread but he was just in the hospital again with stomach issues. They believe he has IBD. Cathy told me that is common in shunt dogs...I was not aware of that. He is home now and doing better. Just figured I would mention it in case the tummy stuff does continue with Tibbe later on. I was not prepared for another issue (just assumed he was fixed now! ) and it kind of scared me a bit.

[KimInMD]

The hours feel like they are ticking by so slowly until 10am, Wednesday. We are praying for good news, but there is also some small relief in finding out what is going on. At least then you can begin rolling up your sleeves, making some educated treatment decisions, and knowing where you stand. It's just so awful waiting, and not having answers, yet knowing with all that is within you that something is very wrong. Jeanie, I have learned so much about being a good fur baby mommy from watching you. You are one in a million, and Tibbe is blessed to have you. Hugs and love to you both.