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

Tibbe is back at the vet getting an IV, a shot for his nausea and vomiting and something for diarrhea and observed today. His BAT showed high levels and the vet said that he'd just glanced at them before going into surgery today but that he thought one level was around 60 and the other slightly over 100, and I'm a little unsure which was which, pre- or post-prandial, etc. Short-term memory shot from no sleep for so long and I'm just so tired I could barely follow him. He said we'll talk more when I pick Tibbe up.

He's saying he did speak to Carmenn Woolley, DVM, and a Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine at the Lake Ray Hubbard Referral Clinic and Emergency Pet Care Center and that she suggested today's treatment at this current clinic, then some type of contrast imaging test at yet another facility and then she will see Tibbe at the LRH ER Center. She treated him early last year for his pneumonia but IDK if she is best for his liver issues. She seems very sharp and informed, takes her time with the dog and the owner. She has seen him for other tummy upsets and recommended his CPL test last year.

And thanks to Ellie May/Crystal, we are this far along as his female vet last week after all his tests and exam said his regular liver studies WNL and he should be okay. Then Crystal said in a post he could still have issues even with normal testing liver enzyme levels, etc. So we got the BAT. I'm so grateful to her for telling me that or we'd be a few days late in getting that.

What do you all think? How high are these bile acids levels and how do they compare with any dogs you have had and what did you dog have to have done. Is an internist okay for these levels? I'm in a quandary what to do and sick with fear.

Tink's BAT results were over 300, pre and post prandial. Tink had surgery, bc she also had bladder stones... but she ended up not having a portosystemic shunt. She had tiny, inoperable shunts from the Bile Duct being blocked, causing very high pressure in her liver. A pill fixed that. Tibbe's results are not outrageous, but indicate he does have one or more issues. Could be LS, Gall Bladder (blocked bile duct) or a number of other things can cause BATs to be off. Normal range is generally <10 or 20 pre and post prandial, depending on what lab is used.

The test sounds like a scintigraphy, a nuclear imaging test (a dye is injected) (runs around $3-400) or if not that, a doppler ultrasound. I think the scintigraphy is the better test. Both cost close to the same.

I don't know anything about this but I'm going to continue to pray for Tibbe and for you!!

Jeanie, I'm sorry to hear Tibbe's BAT results were not normal, but I'm glad you are now on the road to figuring out what is wrong. Keeping Tibbe in my prayers.

I'm so sorry Tibbe is having problems. I have to go back and read other threads to catch up on what all Tibbe is dealing with, but just wanted you to know he's in my prayers.

Toki's post value was in the low 60s, I believe. Her liver enzymes (ALT) were around 300 (but they fluctuate). We had a blood sample sent to Cornell for their Protein C assay (not a required test but just something my vet offered and that I wanted to do). An ultrasound was done which showed that Toki didn't have a large external liver shunt (not 100% reliable though...they did however find bladder stones) and that her liver was otherwise normal looking.

Based on the bloodwork, BAT, ultrasound, and Protein C results, my general vet suspected MVD over shunt but sent us to NCSU to have the scintigraphy done (which ended up ruling out shunt). They diagnosed Toki with nonencephalopathic MVD. If I could go back in time, I think that I would have just done the blood work, BAT, urianalysis, and scintigraphy.

Is the rest of Tibbe's bloodwork normal?

I've been thinking a lot about Tibbe and following your other thread. Sending positive thoughts your way...we are all here for you!

So sorry about Tibbe. Keeping Tibbe in my thought and prayers

So sorry to hear about Tibbe's test results...hope it's nothing serious, will keep praying for you & Tibbe.

I am so sad reading about Tibbe. He is a precious dog and I pray that all you are doing for him will point to the problem and he will be well. Keep believing in the power of our Lord to lead and guide you and the vets to do what is right for Tibbe. God has opened some amazing doors for me because I sought His help. I will definitely be praying hard for this to be resolved and Tibbe to come home well and happy again. Hugs to you, Jeanie.

I will be praying for you and Tibbe!!

As will I, (((((Jeanie and Tibbe)))))))

I am so sorry for all you and your baby are going through. I wish there was something I could offer in advice but I have no experience with this. So I'll leave it to those on here that do.

What I'll do is continue to offer love support and prayers.

Bless sweet Tibbe and you. Sending prayers :hands: I am so thankful Tibbe has Ellie May/Crystal and so many other knowledgeable supporters here. Jeanine you and Tibbe are so special. May all the love and compassion you have shown to others be returned threefold to you and Tibbe. Hugs and prayers

Jeanie i am so sorry for what you and Tibbe are going through, Micah's BAT test were about the same as Tibbe's, he had all the test mentioned here at UT in Knoxville,Tn he was diagnosed with MVD and he is doing really good almost 5yrs old now

I am sorry to hear about Tibbe's BAT results. Hopefully, at worse it is a mild case of MVD. Cali has that and her BAT were 0/47 and 0/78 i believe. A liver biopsy confirmed mild MVD
and she has done well on a lower protein diet only. Keeping Tibbe's in my prayers.