Otis bile acid levels. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

paulapoo · 05-31-2007, 03:06 PM

I know I should probably post this on the other forum, however, I figured more people viewed this one and I could use all the advice I can get.
His liver functions and chem 12 were normal. His fasting bile acid level was normal, but his post was 53. The Vet says shunt is highly unlikely and wonders about other liver prob (I assume she means MVD) or Gallbladder disease. She offered to do lots of xrays and u/s, but admits if I bypass that and go to a specialist that they may have better equipment and more knowledge of these types of problems. At this point I've chosen to start him on L/D and watch him. She says hopefully he can be managed on the diet because of how mild and infrequent his "spells" have been,(only 2) and doesn't recommend lactulose or supplements at this point. I want to do whats best for him. Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I'm looking for opinions.

marcerella02 · 05-31-2007, 05:07 PM

sorry i have no advice on this but i just wanted to bump it up so you can hopefully get some help

Yorkieluv · 05-31-2007, 05:24 PM

Hi Paula! Those numbers do seem to point more towards MVD than an extrahepatic liver shunt. If you're going to do further testing, I would definitely have those tests done with the specialist rather than with your regular vet. The l/d sounds like a good idea, you might try the canned also, as the canned does not contain ethoxyquin.
Milk thistle is an all natural supplement that would be helpful. It can't hurt even if it's not the gallbladder or liver. In fact, the antioxidants in it help to protect the liver and will actually help with the already damaged parts if the problem is in the liver.
Praying for your baby, Otis!

Patti · 05-31-2007, 05:31 PM

Cali has very mild MVD, no treatment needed. She had 2 bile acid tests and the first one was 0/91 and 2nd one 0/ 39 or close to those numbers. I had the ultrasound which doesn's show MVD just external shunts and then she had a liver biopsy when she was spayed that confirmed mild MVD. The specialist said that usually levels under 100 are indicitive of MVD. Hopefully Otis's will be very mild as well.

Anna Banana · 05-31-2007, 08:34 PM

I have no advice, but I wanted to say I'm happy that you're getting some answers, and I hope they keep on coming. I know you were worried about your little boy.

paulapoo · 06-01-2007, 06:56 AM

Thanks for all the support!!! I've been on the yahoo mvd/liver group and continue to learn more and more each day. Otis is doing well. Thanks again!!

tpaxton23 · 06-01-2007, 07:15 AM

results similar to your Otis. He's been tested 3 times now. Twice by the breeder I got him from and once by me. My vet hasn't been very helpful and put him on science diet k/d which is for kidney disease(??). When I questioned it, he just said it is the same as l/d. I've got an appointment at the end of the month at the University of Tennessee which specializes in liver shunt and has all the latest equipment. They are also very knowledgable in this field since they see so many cases. I am pretty sure it is MVD but would like a definite diagnosis and even more important some good advice on the best diet and medicine for him.

Good luck with Otis.

diggy4 · 06-01-2007, 07:20 AM

Paranooid Paula (lol) I am wishing you and Otis the very very best. I am the never rest til I have an answer type. I would go to the specialist if there was ANY indication of a problem at all. I still stare a diggy and get paranoid if he even squeeks. He lets out this awful noise when he yawns and I go flying to him everytime. He looks at me like What the????? Wether it be MVD, a shunt, hypo, gall bladder, or any other problem I just would be a mess not knowing. Thats just me tho Your probably fine with switching the food and watching him closely. Im just a freak tho lol

05-31-2007, 03:06 PM	#1
paulapoo Blessed by Otis & Ollie Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Plainfield, Indiana Posts: 2,884	Otis bile acid levels. I know I should probably post this on the other forum, however, I figured more people viewed this one and I could use all the advice I can get. His liver functions and chem 12 were normal. His fasting bile acid level was normal, but his post was 53. The Vet says shunt is highly unlikely and wonders about other liver prob (I assume she means MVD) or Gallbladder disease. She offered to do lots of xrays and u/s, but admits if I bypass that and go to a specialist that they may have better equipment and more knowledge of these types of problems. At this point I've chosen to start him on L/D and watch him. She says hopefully he can be managed on the diet because of how mild and infrequent his "spells" have been,(only 2) and doesn't recommend lactulose or supplements at this point. I want to do whats best for him. Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I'm looking for opinions. __________________ ~Paula~ proud mommy of ~Otis (yorkie) & Oliver (shih-poo)

05-31-2007, 05:07 PM	#2
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	sorry i have no advice on this but i just wanted to bump it up so you can hopefully get some help __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

05-31-2007, 05:24 PM	#3
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 7,178	Hi Paula! Those numbers do seem to point more towards MVD than an extrahepatic liver shunt. If you're going to do further testing, I would definitely have those tests done with the specialist rather than with your regular vet. The l/d sounds like a good idea, you might try the canned also, as the canned does not contain ethoxyquin. Milk thistle is an all natural supplement that would be helpful. It can't hurt even if it's not the gallbladder or liver. In fact, the antioxidants in it help to protect the liver and will actually help with the already damaged parts if the problem is in the liver. Praying for your baby, Otis! __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

05-31-2007, 05:31 PM	#4
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Cali has very mild MVD, no treatment needed. She had 2 bile acid tests and the first one was 0/91 and 2nd one 0/ 39 or close to those numbers. I had the ultrasound which doesn's show MVD just external shunts and then she had a liver biopsy when she was spayed that confirmed mild MVD. The specialist said that usually levels under 100 are indicitive of MVD. Hopefully Otis's will be very mild as well. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

05-31-2007, 08:34 PM	#5
Anna Banana YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,025	I have no advice, but I wanted to say I'm happy that you're getting some answers, and I hope they keep on coming. I know you were worried about your little boy. __________________ Anna and Wobie

06-01-2007, 06:56 AM	#6
paulapoo Blessed by Otis & Ollie Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Plainfield, Indiana Posts: 2,884	Thanks for all the support!!! I've been on the yahoo mvd/liver group and continue to learn more and more each day. Otis is doing well. Thanks again!! __________________ ~Paula~ proud mommy of ~Otis (yorkie) & Oliver (shih-poo)

06-01-2007, 07:15 AM	#7
tpaxton23 Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Flowery Branch, GA Posts: 867	My yorkie, Diesel also has elevated bile acid results similar to your Otis. He's been tested 3 times now. Twice by the breeder I got him from and once by me. My vet hasn't been very helpful and put him on science diet k/d which is for kidney disease(??). When I questioned it, he just said it is the same as l/d. I've got an appointment at the end of the month at the University of Tennessee which specializes in liver shunt and has all the latest equipment. They are also very knowledgable in this field since they see so many cases. I am pretty sure it is MVD but would like a definite diagnosis and even more important some good advice on the best diet and medicine for him. Good luck with Otis. __________________ Dylan's Dogster Diesel's Dogster Maddie's Dogster Jixer's Dogster

06-01-2007, 07:20 AM	#8
diggy4 Bella Boo & Diggy Too! Donating GS Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Detroit Posts: 6,156 Blog Entries: 5	Paranooid Paula (lol) I am wishing you and Otis the very very best. I am the never rest til I have an answer type. I would go to the specialist if there was ANY indication of a problem at all. I still stare a diggy and get paranoid if he even squeeks. He lets out this awful noise when he yawns and I go flying to him everytime. He looks at me like What the????? Wether it be MVD, a shunt, hypo, gall bladder, or any other problem I just would be a mess not knowing. Thats just me tho Your probably fine with switching the food and watching him closely. Im just a freak tho lol __________________ ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN