elevated liver enzymes
 

Hello, My 13 plus year old Yorkie had blood work and his liver enzymes are elevated. The vet recommended ultrasound procedure next week, but i haven't seen the actual numbers related to his condition. Diet seems to be the key, and he's been on Royal Canin all his life, plus cooked chicken, beef pieces, some vegetables. He weighs 15.5 lbs, which seems normal but his belly is distended as his liver is enlarged, too.
what have any of you done for this condition? Supplements?
thank you, Matt

Liver Enzymes
 

Hello Matt,
I am sorry but I have no advice to give you. I hope you can find the solution for this problem and I am sorry that your little one is having this problem. Perhaps someone will soon write you with some advice that I don't have. Let us know how things turn out, please.

Gabey's liver issue
 

thank you, i feel better now that I have looked through responses to this malady here and elsewhere. He's not in pain, not physically indicating anything but wellness. I need to do more checking though. Matt

Just seeing this. How are things going?

gabey
 

Thank you, Gabey will be seeing his doctor next Thursday for an ultrasound procedure. The vet will be looking at his liver. Tumor? We don't know yet. But I will let you know what happens. Matt

Have they ruled out Cushings? I do hope it isn't a tumor. Will say a prayer for him.

tumor on liver
 

Hello, Gabey's blood work showed 'elevated liver enzymes" and he had an ultra sound today which confirmed he had a large tumor (4cm x 5cm) on his right lobe. Apparently, he had a few nodes on the left lobe. Not good. He functions fine and is quite frisky. So, we obviously must follow up. The choices we need to consider and narrow. First, to determine if it's cancerous could be done with a biopsy, which needs his being sedated (another risk at his age), but there is the possibility of using a long needle...the doc said... while under acupuncture and snipping a small tissue sample while under mild sedation... all of this can be done before surgery.
the fact that the right lobe has a large mass could mean that it could be taken out in one piece...but, with two smaller nodes in the left lobe might mean that the cancer could come back.
There is the alternative which is the holistic manner of treating. The doctor and I didn't explore that, but the hospital is known for holistic treatments. Herbs too.
Well, we will research on the net and find out what is being done. According to a doggy time chart, he's 70.
thank you for all your concern and prayers. Matt

Sorry it does not sound like good news. I would think long and hard before putting a 13 year old through such procedures/surgery. Sounds like you are.

Will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers. He could hang in for some time....you just never know. These yorkies are tough little ones!

Matt, I am very sorry to hear about Gabey's health problems. Will keep both you and Gabey in my thoughts and prayers.

Gabey's liver issue
 

Thank you Lady Jane and others who have been following this situation. My wife and I visited the hospital again this morning and while in transit we decided to just allow our beautiful creation to heal himself with alternative medicine. We will NOT insert a long needle for a biopsy, nor cut him open. He has a short history of trachea collapse which, now that it's cooler, doesn't affect him as much as humid, hot weather does. To sedate him is risky at best and an older dog with breathing problems is clearly a poor candidate for that procedure...so we will not do it.
As far as alternative medicine goes, there's been a recurring ad placed on this Yorkietalk.com site for some time now. Called Doglivershunt.com, the man's name is Rick and he's not a vet, not a doctor, but an educator for 20 plus years in alternative supplements for healthy dogs. He took the specifics of Gabey's treats, food, medication, even the tick collar he wears and researched the ingredients in all those products and printed them out so he could discuss them with me. That was very thorough, i thought. He came up with a formula of supplement pills which seemed expensive but if they reduced the liver's size and elevated enzymes, it might be worth it. But I need to do more...but there are remedies for all conditions outside of the routine medical establishment.
Anyway, his doctor is calling us back in an hour to discuss our decision, etc and will let you know. I hope others are able to read this discussion and will join in...we could use the support and any information is really helpful. thank you and god bless, Matt

I would be careful with this guy you mentioned. The ad is probably just a google ad thing...certainly not something YT supports. I hate to see you spend money like that....

Your vet can advise you on what you could give him .. maybe milk thistle or denamarin.

Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

gabey liver issue
 

Thank you, well advised. i don't do anything until I have multiple corroborating evidence and well documented statements. Everyone gets checked out. As a retired English teacher, research is one of my best areas of interest.
And I'm certainly not one who rushes to spend money, the more it costs...goes the insane logic....the better it is.
Gabey has a big sister, Meadow, my wife bought three years ago: a 65 lb sheepdoodle, who is stunningly beautiful. She tries to play with Gabey but as an elegant gentleman, he's more interested in people than rough housing.
Perhaps I should ask those who run Yorkietalk.com, as to how I can reach more members with my posts about Gabey and his condition. I don't know how to navigate this site: maybe some research tomorrow morning will do it.
God bless and thank you for your notes and advice. Matt

Sometimes spending more does give better results...sometimes not. I am glad you are not one to rush in!

My advice is to make some lasting memories .... I know you probably have many; but, now you have a warning and can make some more. Maybe a bucket list for Gabey?? I have seen lots of people do that and document it on the web. You might be able to do it here in a thread...it would be amazing I think...if it is something you might enjoy.

You could put it here in Sick and Injured ... and title it Gabey's Bucket List :) I think our members would enjoy it, too. I just lost a pup and wish I had done it for her. I did take lots of photos of her in the past year as I knew it was coming....but never thought to document. Just a thought.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Matt -

Glad you found YorkieTalk. So sorry it is under such tough circumstances with your little one :(. It's so difficult when they're sick and you're facing a steep learning curve and tough decisions.

You've received wonderful advice from LadyJane/Linda - I would really trust her advice immensely...she has dealt with so, so many yorkie health issues while running Yorkie Haven Rescue, so she really does know her stuff.

Keep asking questions here, and of your vet, and wherever else - I know you'll find the answers you need. Wishing you all the best. :aimeeyork

Just checking in to see how you all are doing and to let you know we are thinking and praying for you !