Roxy: Bile Acid Test

[TLC]

Well, I just can't stop crying....

Monday I took both Roxy and TJ to have the Bile Acid Test. They were fasted for over 12 hours and I left them at the Vet pretty much all day.

The Dr. left me a message last night saying the results were in and to call today to discuss the results. I just knew something wasn't right and I worried all night.

I called on my way into work. He was very nice (he always is) and he just briefly spoke to me over the phone b/c he wants me to come in today to review everything and he can show me the paper work and explain it all to me and to give me a referral to an internal specialist for Roxy.

He told me that TJ's results came back ok (although, I think he said something maybe boarder line - I'm not sure though b/c my brain already had gone into cry mode). So I will find out the #'s for sure about TJ later.

He told me that he would have never recommended (b/c you don't just do these tests for no reason), a Bile Acid Test for my two. However, given ALL the information I have given him about my BYB and the other pups problems. He said it was a good decision and that I will be able to do my best at giving Roxy a prolonged life. (crying again )

Again, I don't have the #'s for Roxy either. I was driving and on my cellphone, I just wanted the Dr. to say all he had to say, I was fearful of hitting a deadzone and the call getting dropped, so I didn't ask questions at that point.

He said for me not to freak out. He said Roxy had significant abnormalities in her results. He will discuss everything with me. He said the next step is to see an internal specialist and have an ultrasound done. He said he doesn't think there will be the need for major surgery (although, I don't think he can really know that for sure ). He said that hopefully with diet.

So now, I am hoping the day goes by fast so I can get over to him to discuss all of this. I can't help but cry and cry. I am trying not to freak out by reading all sorts of stuff online, especially since I don't have the #s.

Roxy shows no sign of anything other than: she is less active than TJ, she is extremely docile, she has allergies (skin itching right now), she LOVE to eat and seems to want to eat ALL the time.

Roxy has been on an antihistamine for awhile now. The Dr. does know this, but I do wonder if that would throw off the results? Or would that just throw them off a little bit and maybe Roxy's are REALLY off. I dunno

Well I am numb now.

It really sucks. They are our children. I take care of them as if they were human, best foods and treats, I give them the best health care, always looking out for them. There is nothing in the world that we wouldn't do for them.

This news just hurts me beyond words.

[Ellie May]

I am so sorry about this. You know, Ellie has that similar eating all the time thing and some other symptoms. I think I will get her tested.

[kalina82]

oh i'm so sorry about the results you received. You did a good thing getting them tested so early without them showing any signs. I'm sure you and your vet can find something to do for them now before anything happens. good luck.

[Yorkieluv]

TLC, I am so sorry to hear all of this...I know how much you love your babies. Liver problems are not a death sentence though, so don't freak out. I know of a dog (poodle) with hepatic microvascular dysplasia (HMD/MVD) who lived to be 17yrs old. With proper diet, lactulose, and supplements, Roxy will be just fine if that's what she has... Many dogs with liver issues have allergy problems and dry skin and such due to their liver problems. Please post the results of the Bile acid tests whenever you get them. If you need to talk, pm me...I have been dealing with liver issues with Miko for quite awhile now and am a member of a liver shunt and mvd group on yahoo groups. Please join the liver shunt and mvd support group. These people are extremely knowledgable about liver disease and conditions and can help guide you in the right direction. Trust me, you want to join this group. They also have an extensive amount of great information in the Files section. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/L...d_MVD_Support/

[jrsygal37]

Nicole. I'm sorry that the results came back as they did. You did the right thing in having it done. It hurts sometimes to know the truth, but in the long run it's better because she's young and you can get her the help she needs now. I've read so many in rescue that have had Liver Shunt and are doing well. Really well. Sometimes diet alone keeps it controlled and even at the most if she needs surgery there are so many GREAT specialists now that handle this and most come out fine with it. She's young and that's on her side. Hang in there. Elaine

[yorkiemalt]

aww....Nicole....I wish I could reach right through this screen and give you the biggest hug!

Try not to make yourself sick with worry until you speak more with your Vet tonight. I know, I know....but try.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts all day and hopefully by tonight you'll have some more definitive answers.

Kim

[TLC]

You guys are just so wonderful...I can't help to truly believe how God has lead me on this path to all of you.

I still just feel aweful. I hate to feel that Roxy has been suffering all this while. First with CT episodes, then LP surgery (2x and she needs a 3rd). And just this past winter, this intense itching, dry flakes of skin, staph infections. My baby is sick, and I just wish I could take it all away from her.

She came to us a very, very shy and timid girl. I remember for at least 6 months, she used to sit all the way at the other end of the couch. Then she would lie on your lower legs, then she slowed moved to lie on your stomach, and now we can even snuggle at little face to face. I know it is hard for you all to imagine, BUT, we are just so proud at the progress Roxy has made over these past 2 years, I am so happy when I see her playing, and my heart melts when I say: "Roxy give me a kiss" and she'll come over and almost touch my face for a kiss (close enough that it is good for me )

I know that this is not a death sentence, but I just want her to live a very long life. I am just fearful of losing anything that I love so much

I meet with the Dr. after work. He will go over everything with me. He will give me copies of everything and a referral for the next step. So, I will post the actually results tonight.

I guess I am also fearful of a diet change for her too. Currently they are eating Raw, and I truly feel this is the best food for them. I don't think that I could stomach feeding them crap with by-products. So, I am hoping that I will be able to find a happy balance with all that lies in the future

[Little Bit]

Nicole, I am so sorry you didn't get good results from the tests. Hugs to you, girl. We are all here for you. We'll be looking for updates after you get home.

[yorkieusa]

Don't give up the ship yet. It's just one test. Another might nix this one. I'm sorry you have to go through this and my prayers are going out to Roxy. Keep us updated on her, though. Keep your chin up!

[AngelWorks]

However long her life is(and none of us ever know how long it will be), you are giving her the best in her world.

She would never want to be anywhere else and that is all she knows.

Just keep giving her all your best.

Just do what you can as it all comes along.

Let all of us do the worring for you.

[YorkieRose]

Vets have gone overboard with liver shunt testing..totally freaking out owners...and this is not just my opinion, but the opinion of several liver specialists...
If you have a Yorkie with no symptoms of a shunt, a Yorkie who eats well, keeps a decent weight, reasonably active, no seizures or walking against the walls, then the chances of a liver problems are so slim. Bile acid can be thrown off by so many things in a Yorkie..

I am not defending BYBers..but Liver shunt can be a problem in the finest show breeder kennels in the world..it knows no bounderies..so just because the breeder was not the best, means nothing in this case..JMO.If anything many pet breeders do not line or inbreed..generation after generation they breed unrelated and do not try to set a type or establish a line of their own...

If you had sick Yorkies, I would be the first to tell you to do all the test..otherwise don't go looking for trouble..best wishes

PS...EATING all the time is NOT a symptom of a liver shunt..LS Yorkies don't eat for the most part...eating is GOOD!!!!! Eating like a piggy is great..mine eat like hogs...

[Yorkieluv]

YorkieRose, I agree that liver shunt or liver disease can show up even in the best of breeders. The difference between a reputable breeder and a non-reputable breeder is how they handle the situation. You are so right about that.

Remember, try to stay calm until you know more about what's going on...

[Yorkiedaze]

I am so sorry to hear there may be some problems. I will certainly say a prayer that your baby pulls thru. Warm hugs to you both.

[TLC]

Sorry, I guess I should have explained things a little better...

The reason I mentioned BYB - is b/c that's how I feel about their breeder. Both Roxy and TJ have Bi-lateral LP. Roxy has CT. At 6 months old when I got Roxy she had a full double row of teeth that obviously had NEVER been brushed (plus she ate poop everyday). She was so shy, timid, and fearful of EVERYTHING. TJ was 4 months old and the first week he was with me he had these 'episodes' of pure mucus poop, etc. this last about a year and with blood work and Vet visits at least 2-3 times a week, it was determined he has some form of IBD, that he will have forever. TJ has roach back, LP in both legs and he is missing about 9 adult teeth, that just never formed.

My groomer purchased 2 females (repeat of Roxy's parents). Same thing pretty much, horrible teeth, clicking in their legs too and the one little girl also has liver issues that they monitor. My groomer just told me last week that a customer had purchased a little male from the same parents as Roxy (a little while back). The man spent over $4000 trying to save his life. He died at 9 months old and when the Vet did an autopsy, his organ were that of what you'd find in a 13 year old dog.

These are the reason I had both TJ and Roxy tested and these are the reasons that I call my breeder a BYB. I do agree that liver problems can happen to any dog and any breeder. Sorry I didn't explain why I said what I said before.

Oh and yes, I messed up with my wording about Roxy symptoms. I really meant to say that she doesn't show any classic signs of liver problems. I only things that I can say may be 'odd' about Roxy are those I listed above (not that they are symptoms...sorry )

[TLC]

P.S.
Back in June, when Roxy had another appt. with her Ortho Specialist b/c her left leg is luxating again. The Specialist too had some concerns about Roxy. She too wanted me to get the Bile Acid Test done. She said that if it were any other breed she would feel differently, but b/c Roxy is a Yorkie and b/c she finds is very odd that Roxy is sooooooooooooooooooooo docile and blaw like in her actions and behavior and personalty during all her stays at the Specialist Center.

I guess until I speak with the Vet tonight and go over the results and any possible things that could throw the #'s off, I have to just try to relax.

I am just trying to gather information now to bring with me tonight.