Elevated BAT - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Deegan's mom · 03-19-2009, 01:32 PM

Ok - so Trooper was supposed to go get neutered on Monday, but after getting his test results and finding out that he has a "possible" bladder infection & elevated BAT, it's gonna be postponed.
Trooper had liver shunt surgery before I adopted him in July and I was told that he was a normal dog. But I've come to find out that his BAT results are much higher than they were a couple months after his surgery.
He has ls surgery in July '08. His BAT results in Sept '08 were (pre) 2 and (post) 32. Now they are (pre) 26 and (post) 52. I don't know much about liver shunt and BAT's, etc. and I'm scared outta my wits end that he could be sick again... So many things are going through my head - does he have another shunt? Is the shunt they fixed coming loose? Is he gonna have to have another ls surgery? Is he going to live a long happy life??
I'm so upset and my vet was supposed to call Oakland where he had his ls surgery to see what they think of it all and what we should do. She left a msg with Oakland, but now she left last night for short vacation and won't be back until Monday. So I won't get any answers until then at the earliest. Does anyone know much about ls & BAT's?? I'm freakin' out over here.

lil fu fu girl · 03-19-2009, 06:13 PM

I do not have any answers on this end about the tests. Just wanted you to know that someone heard you. Try not to freak out because if yours are anything like mine then they will feel the change in your mood. Hang in there, maybe someone will be able to come up with some answers to you questions here tonight. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way..........

Deegan's mom · 03-19-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

I do not have any answers on this end about the tests. Just wanted you to know that someone heard you. Try not to freak out because if yours are anything like mine then they will feel the change in your mood. Hang in there, maybe someone will be able to come up with some answers to you questions here tonight. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way..........

Thanks - at least getting it out & someone responding helped me release some anxiety. I appreciate your kind words.

wemple2 · 03-19-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm here as well...we'll keep your thread up at the top so more people will see it. I know about liver shunts...but I don't know enough to really give sound advice. How old is Trooper and how much does he weigh?

Ellie May · 03-19-2009, 06:40 PM

I know nothing about high bile acids after surgery but it could be another shunt. I think occasionally it happens if the pressure is too high (if the first shunt was closed too fast). How did they close it? an ameroid constrictor?

Didn't Oakland just say everything is fine and feed him a normal diet?

lil fu fu girl · 03-19-2009, 07:13 PM

Just bumping your thread up again. Hope you are feeling a little better!

Deegan's mom · 03-20-2009, 03:51 AM

Trooper is 20 mths and weighs 7lbs. I don't no how they closed the shunt?? I didn't even know there was more than one method. And yes.. Oakland said he could be on a normal diet and after that his fosters put him on Wellness. Once I got him I found the LS Yahoo Group and took some of their advice and changed his food to RC hepatic LS and put him on supplements as a preventative measure for future complications, with the support of my vet. (hepato support, vetri-liquid & amino b-plex)

I didn't sleep much last night, just tossed and turned. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to call Oakland myself in the middle of writing this post and I actually got to talk to someone right away. The girl got Trooper's file and quickly went and talked to Dr. Lippert to see what she had to say about the BAT being high. Apparently Dr. Lippert wasn't too concerned with the numbers at this point, but that she'll get more info from my vet next week. I guess this makes me feel better, but I don't understand why their up?? Maybe it's because he's got a bladder infection?? I don't know. But at least I can breathe a bit for the weekend. Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'll keep you all posted once I hear from our vet. Have a good weekend!

wemple2 · 03-20-2009, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the update, I'm hoping it's going to be just fine. Keep doing what you're doing as far as his diet is concerned. Does he have a UTI? Has his urine been checked for crystals? How about rechecking the BAT...his numbers weren't terribly high, just high enough to question it. He has no symptoms, right?

lil fu fu girl · 03-20-2009, 10:54 AM

Just checking back in to see how you are doing? Glad that the vet was not too worried, that is a good sign. Just try to relax this weekend with your baby.
Keep us posted on how he does.

Deegan's mom · 03-20-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wemple2

Thanks for the update, I'm hoping it's going to be just fine. Keep doing what you're doing as far as his diet is concerned. Does he have a UTI? Has his urine been checked for crystals? How about rechecking the BAT...his numbers weren't terribly high, just high enough to question it. He has no symptoms, right?

UTI?? I don't know what that is? And no he hasn't been checked for crystals, only a partial urinalysis because they couldn't get enough urine. I could have brought him back to have them draw it with a needle, but I didn't want to do that if it wasn't completely necessary so we just put him on antibiotics in case and will test again later. But I think I'll request testing for crystals & redoing the BAT's again. They are higher than what they were at last year after his surgery though. I'm trying to be patient... Will let everyone know when I hear from the vet.

Ellie May · 03-20-2009, 03:25 PM

Why was he put on antibiotics?
Does he have a urinary tract infection?

Yes, there is more than one way to close a shunt.
Drawing urine out with a needle (cystocentesis) isn't a big thing at all.
Ellie has had them several times.

Deegan's mom · 03-20-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Why was he put on antibiotics?
Does he have a urinary tract infection?

Yes, there is more than one way to close a shunt.
Drawing urine out with a needle (cystocentesis) isn't a big thing at all.
Ellie has had them several times.

Well it all started when I found out that he wasn't neutered - he is chripto?? So being paranoid to have him go in for surgery enough with being a ls baby I got some blood work done to make sure that he was healthy enough and everything was working the way it's supposed to.

The rescue who is paying for the neuter booked the app't for this Monday. While in for the blood work, my vet's office tried to collect urine from him for a urinalysis, but didn't get enough, so they only did the first part of the test and told me that they think he might have a bladder infection, but aren't completely sure because they didn't get enough urine to complete the test.

They called me later on and asked me to get some from him, but it was impossible because he'd run away everytime I came near him with a bowl. At this point I hadn't gotten the other results back yet, and thinking that everything would be in order since everyone kept telling me that "he's a normal, healthy dog" I thought it would be best to put him on antibiotics anyways since he's going to be neutered and I didn't want them opening him up again having a "possible" bladder infection, and I planned on postponing the neuter until after he was done the 10 day round and retested. So the vet agreed to give him the antibiotics. I didn't realize the needle thing wasn't a big deal... then never explained it to me and I just didn't want to poke him unnecessarily.

A couple days later the vet called with the BAT results... And now I'm just waiting for the vet to talk to Oakland to see what they think of it all and if anything can be done to lower them.

Ellie May · 03-20-2009, 04:50 PM

Hmm, it sounds like a bit of a mess.

I can only say what I would do.
I would not do the neuter until you get a yes or a no on the urinary tract infection because they can be present with stones which can be present because of a shunt. It could be a sign that something bigger is going on. They need to do a full urinalysis in my opinion. I know the cysto does look a bit scary and there are a couple risks just like with blood draws but it is okay. Ellie just had two of them in about 15 days if that makes you feel any better.

Dogs with LS that has been corrected can sadly develop more shunts.
I can't tell you what the next step there is but I would guess that just giving something to lower bile acids isn't the answer. They are up for a reason and I wouldn't want to cover it up. That said, the drug Actigall can bring them down but I do not know how that would work in this case.

Deegan's mom · 03-20-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Hmm, it sounds like a bit of a mess.

I can only say what I would do.
I would not do the neuter until you get a yes or a no on the urinary tract infection because they can be present with stones which can be present because of a shunt. It could be a sign that something bigger is going on. They need to do a full urinalysis in my opinion. I know the cysto does look a bit scary and there are a couple risks just like with blood draws but it is okay. Ellie just had two of them in about 15 days if that makes you feel any better.

Dogs with LS that has been corrected can sadly develop more shunts.
I can't tell you what the next step there is but I would guess that just giving something to lower bile acids isn't the answer. They are up for a reason and I wouldn't want to cover it up. That said, the drug Actigall can bring them down but I do not know how that would work in this case.

It is a mess and I'm feeling over whelmed with two furbabies with health issues. I spend so much money on supplements, special food, extra testing and other stuff at the vet that I don't know what I will do if he needs another surgery... I'm so stressed out by this. I want to give them both the best possible life but what if I don't have the money to do it. Ugh...
By any chance are you a member of the LS Yahoo Group?

drabinowitz43 · 03-20-2009, 09:37 PM

I don't have answers for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and I'm sending prayers your way. My puppy is recovering from liver shunt surgery and I found out about his condition when they ran pre-op bloodwork before his neuter. He eats the Hepatic Royal Canin, I use the hepto support, lactulose and other supplements and I know how costly all this is. But try to stay calm and don't make yourself nuts over the weekend. His numbers could be elevated for any number of reasons. I am on the LS Yahoo group and it is a wonderful support. Maybe sending some emails to them will ease your worries for the next day or two. Good luck, I completely understand what you are going through. Feel free to pm me if you need to talk.

03-19-2009, 01:32 PM	#1
Deegan's mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 1,271	Elevated BAT Ok - so Trooper was supposed to go get neutered on Monday, but after getting his test results and finding out that he has a "possible" bladder infection & elevated BAT, it's gonna be postponed. Trooper had liver shunt surgery before I adopted him in July and I was told that he was a normal dog. But I've come to find out that his BAT results are much higher than they were a couple months after his surgery. He has ls surgery in July '08. His BAT results in Sept '08 were (pre) 2 and (post) 32. Now they are (pre) 26 and (post) 52. I don't know much about liver shunt and BAT's, etc. and I'm scared outta my wits end that he could be sick again... So many things are going through my head - does he have another shunt? Is the shunt they fixed coming loose? Is he gonna have to have another ls surgery? Is he going to live a long happy life?? I'm so upset and my vet was supposed to call Oakland where he had his ls surgery to see what they think of it all and what we should do. She left a msg with Oakland, but now she left last night for short vacation and won't be back until Monday. So I won't get any answers until then at the earliest. Does anyone know much about ls & BAT's?? I'm freakin' out over here. __________________ Jayde, Deegan & Trooper ~Be the change you wish to see in the world - Adopt a rescue pet~

03-19-2009, 06:24 PM	#4
wemple2 Wee Winston Wiggles Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kewanee, Illinois Posts: 9,666	I'm here as well...we'll keep your thread up at the top so more people will see it. I know about liver shunts...but I don't know enough to really give sound advice. How old is Trooper and how much does he weigh? __________________ As Ever, Kathy Intruducing Bentley Winston and Spencer: RIP My Sweet Angels

03-19-2009, 06:40 PM	#5
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	I know nothing about high bile acids after surgery but it could be another shunt. I think occasionally it happens if the pressure is too high (if the first shunt was closed too fast). How did they close it? an ameroid constrictor? Didn't Oakland just say everything is fine and feed him a normal diet? __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

03-20-2009, 03:51 AM	#7
Deegan's mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 1,271	Trooper is 20 mths and weighs 7lbs. I don't no how they closed the shunt?? I didn't even know there was more than one method. And yes.. Oakland said he could be on a normal diet and after that his fosters put him on Wellness. Once I got him I found the LS Yahoo Group and took some of their advice and changed his food to RC hepatic LS and put him on supplements as a preventative measure for future complications, with the support of my vet. (hepato support, vetri-liquid & amino b-plex) I didn't sleep much last night, just tossed and turned. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to call Oakland myself in the middle of writing this post and I actually got to talk to someone right away. The girl got Trooper's file and quickly went and talked to Dr. Lippert to see what she had to say about the BAT being high. Apparently Dr. Lippert wasn't too concerned with the numbers at this point, but that she'll get more info from my vet next week. I guess this makes me feel better, but I don't understand why their up?? Maybe it's because he's got a bladder infection?? I don't know. But at least I can breathe a bit for the weekend. Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'll keep you all posted once I hear from our vet. Have a good weekend! __________________ Jayde, Deegan & Trooper ~Be the change you wish to see in the world - Adopt a rescue pet~

03-20-2009, 09:44 AM	#8
wemple2 Wee Winston Wiggles Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kewanee, Illinois Posts: 9,666	Thanks for the update, I'm hoping it's going to be just fine. Keep doing what you're doing as far as his diet is concerned. Does he have a UTI? Has his urine been checked for crystals? How about rechecking the BAT...his numbers weren't terribly high, just high enough to question it. He has no symptoms, right? __________________ As Ever, Kathy Intruducing Bentley Winston and Spencer: RIP My Sweet Angels

03-19-2009, 06:13 PM	#2
lil fu fu girl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,410	I do not have any answers on this end about the tests. Just wanted you to know that someone heard you. Try not to freak out because if yours are anything like mine then they will feel the change in your mood. Hang in there, maybe someone will be able to come up with some answers to you questions here tonight. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way..........

03-19-2009, 07:13 PM	#6
lil fu fu girl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,410	Just bumping your thread up again. Hope you are feeling a little better!

03-20-2009, 10:54 AM	#9
lil fu fu girl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,410	Just checking back in to see how you are doing? Glad that the vet was not too worried, that is a good sign. Just try to relax this weekend with your baby. Keep us posted on how he does.

03-20-2009, 03:25 PM	#11
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Why was he put on antibiotics? Does he have a urinary tract infection? Yes, there is more than one way to close a shunt. Drawing urine out with a needle (cystocentesis) isn't a big thing at all. Ellie has had them several times. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

03-20-2009, 04:50 PM	#13
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Hmm, it sounds like a bit of a mess. I can only say what I would do. I would not do the neuter until you get a yes or a no on the urinary tract infection because they can be present with stones which can be present because of a shunt. It could be a sign that something bigger is going on. They need to do a full urinalysis in my opinion. I know the cysto does look a bit scary and there are a couple risks just like with blood draws but it is okay. Ellie just had two of them in about 15 days if that makes you feel any better. Dogs with LS that has been corrected can sadly develop more shunts. I can't tell you what the next step there is but I would guess that just giving something to lower bile acids isn't the answer. They are up for a reason and I wouldn't want to cover it up. That said, the drug Actigall can bring them down but I do not know how that would work in this case. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

03-20-2009, 09:37 PM	#15
drabinowitz43 YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New York Posts: 490	I don't have answers for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and I'm sending prayers your way. My puppy is recovering from liver shunt surgery and I found out about his condition when they ran pre-op bloodwork before his neuter. He eats the Hepatic Royal Canin, I use the hepto support, lactulose and other supplements and I know how costly all this is. But try to stay calm and don't make yourself nuts over the weekend. His numbers could be elevated for any number of reasons. I am on the LS Yahoo group and it is a wonderful support. Maybe sending some emails to them will ease your worries for the next day or two. Good luck, I completely understand what you are going through. Feel free to pm me if you need to talk. __________________ Donna, Sadie, Joey and Nicky (and Buddy the cockatiel)