Bile tests "positive"

[JennaPenny]

I'm scared. I'm tired of being told I'm neurotic. I knew something was wrong; and now I want to know what this might mean? Vet is gone for the day. The receptionist told me her little guy also had an elevated reading- yorkie mix- that came back just fine a few weeks later. I don't know if her little guy had the issues that Chewie is having. I was just grateful that someone understood and had something positive to say. I know the Doc told me before this test that there are meds she can go on, and that an u/s is in order. Does this always mean a shunt? I have a long weekend of waiting. Meanwhile, people can tell me I'm NEUROTIC in the future. That's great. While they think that, I'm going to have to insist my neurosis get checked out.

[gemy]

What were the pre and post readings? Do you have a hospital say a teaching one nearby that you can go to? I would try to find the closest expert and go there to do ultrasound or other tests. The ultrasound is only as good as the persons; expertise in both doing and reading it.

Those readings dependent upon what they are might just point to MVD which is managed with diet and liver supplements. I am so very sorry you have more concerns with your pup[/QUOTE]

[ladyjane]

What symptoms is your pup having that made you feel something was wrong?

Don't ever let someone tell you that you are neurotic because you care about your pup! Try to relax ... I know that is easier said than done, but unless your pup is really really sick, this is something that can wait.

Here is a great brochure about liver shunts and MVD. It tells all about the tests to diagnose these things.

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

[Maximo]

I'm sorry to hear Chewie's BAT results are elevated. Take comfort in knowing that you are on top of it with the testing.

Many people here have had very positive outcomes for their pups, even when surgery was required to repair the shunt.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by gemy

What were the pre and post readings? Do you have a hospital say a teaching one nearby that you can go to? I would try to find the closest expert and go there to do ultrasound or other tests. The ultrasound is only as good as the persons; expertise in both doing and reading it.

Those readings dependent upon what they are might just point to MVD which is managed with diet and liver supplements. I am so very sorry you have more concerns with your pup

[/QUOTE]


Thank you. Another vet called so I could get some information, as the doc isn't back until tuesday. Basically Chewie is going in on Thursday- and she's at the mercy of the radiologist that comes in for patients. I'll have to drop my girl off and then pick her back up once the u/s is complete. The man will be there for a scheduled patient, so there isn't a set time. They did say that the lab wasn't concerned about getting this done NOW, so that was good news. I'll fine out both post and pre readings and get back to you. My guess is I'll know on Tuesday.

[JennaPenny]

Thank you ladyjane and maximo, this means a lot, truly. I'll read the link asap.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

What symptoms is your pup having that made you feel something was wrong?

Don't ever let someone tell you that you are neurotic because you care about your pup! Try to relax ... I know that is easier said than done, but unless your pup is really really sick, this is something that can wait.

Here is a great brochure about liver shunts and MVD. It tells all about the tests to diagnose these things.

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

Lots. Episodes of her freaking out and hiding from me after eating- me. She wont let me out of her sight ever, so it was always something I couldn't understand. Suddenly screaming out if touched in a certain area, and it wouldn't repeat afterwards until days passed. Hair thinning in some areas and breaking off- then g rowing back. She's not hyper in the least. She loves playing and gets tired and has to lay down. So many bouts of GI upsets. Occasional runny poop. Lots of straining to poop. Hiding under the bed after eating. Moaning in pain after eating- about twice a week. Lower energy after walks, increasingly getting worse as the weeks go on. Napping a lot, but not lethagic, but napping a lot. Eating so quickly that I get scared, but then her poor tummy gurgles worse that way- worse than usual, and it ALWAYS gurgles after eating. REFUSING to drink liquids until she can't stand it any more, and then having darker than I'm comfy with urine, and that's after being properly hydrated. I have more symptoms, but my floaters get worse at night, and right now the screen swimming in floaters to the point where I can't see the screen well enough.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by gemy

What were the pre and post readings? Do you have a hospital say a teaching one nearby that you can go to? I would try to find the closest expert and go there to do ultrasound or other tests. The ultrasound is only as good as the persons; expertise in both doing and reading it.

Those readings dependent upon what they are might just point to MVD which is managed with diet and liver supplements. I am so very sorry you have more concerns with your pup

[/QUOTE]


I know the post was 55, and I'm reading that it's a good number as far as bad numbers go.. it leans more towards the MVD? Is that what it's called? I don't know the pre numbers and I'm only guessing that's post because she said casually that it was 55.

[Wylie's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis - I know it must be so upsetting. And to now have to wait too, ugh. But have faith that you'll get her healthy. Did you tell the breeder yet?

[lovestiny]

hugs. let us know the updates please.

[Scoobstersmom]

JennaPenny, I'm sorry to read about Chewie's elevated BAT's. You must be frantic and worried sick about a shunt. For what it's worth, elevated BAT's does not always mean shunt. Other things such as pancreatitis, gall bladder issues and Cushings can also cause elevated BAT's, although in a young pup like Chewie its certainly a big concern.

Someone mentioned that an ultrasound is only as good as the person doing the ultrasound and the one reading it, and I agree with that. Rather than putting your pup at the mercy of a traveling radiologist with possibly lower resolution equipment, you might consider asking your vet to refer you out for the ultrasound. I know that ARECA on Country Club has excellent, high resolution equipment and a good radiologist that does the testing. Every time I've had an ultrasound done in the local vet office, I've regretted it and always ended up going to ARECA for a better look. In my experience the cost is about the same, but the higher resolution equipment gives much more detailed info.

Good luck. Sending many prayers and good thoughts for your baby.

Diana

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Scoobstersmom

JennaPenny, I'm sorry to read about Chewie's elevated BAT's. You must be frantic and worried sick about a shunt. For what it's worth, elevated BAT's does not always mean shunt. Other things such as pancreatitis, gall bladder issues and Cushings can also cause elevated BAT's, although in a young pup like Chewie its certainly a big concern.

Someone mentioned that an ultrasound is only as good as the person doing the ultrasound and the one reading it, and I agree with that. Rather than putting your pup at the mercy of a traveling radiologist with possibly lower resolution equipment, you might consider asking your vet to refer you out for the ultrasound. I know that ARECA on Country Club has excellent, high resolution equipment and a good radiologist that does the testing. Every time I've had an ultrasound done in the local vet office, I've regretted it and always ended up going to ARECA for a better look. In my experience the cost is about the same, but the higher resolution equipment gives much more detailed info.

Good luck. Sending many prayers and good thoughts for your baby.

Diana

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis - I know it must be so upsetting. And to now have to wait too, ugh. But have faith that you'll get her healthy. Did you tell the breeder yet?

Husband is very iffy about it. I'm not. I saw her siblings- first picture I saw of her, as a matter of fact. Her brother looked nothing like her- darker and even smaller, but her sister DID. The thought of either one of them going through this, and the family not knowing makes me sad. So I'm calling both. The person who he sends a smaller litter to every now and then, and HIM. I want to know exactly why he didn't register the litter on AKC instead (and I'm beginning to guess) and what his dam and sire look like, and what they have in their bloodlines. I want to know, especially, if they are athletic like chews, what the temperaments of both parents are, and what they both weigh. I'm trying to calm myself down before asking. Husband said he's under no obligation to speak to us. I'm still calling either way.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by Scoobstersmom

JennaPenny, I'm sorry to read about Chewie's elevated BAT's. You must be frantic and worried sick about a shunt. For what it's worth, elevated BAT's does not always mean shunt. Other things such as pancreatitis, gall bladder issues and Cushings can also cause elevated BAT's, although in a young pup like Chewie its certainly a big concern.

Someone mentioned that an ultrasound is only as good as the person doing the ultrasound and the one reading it, and I agree with that. Rather than putting your pup at the mercy of a traveling radiologist with possibly lower resolution equipment, you might consider asking your vet to refer you out for the ultrasound. I know that ARECA on Country Club has excellent, high resolution equipment and a good radiologist that does the testing. Every time I've had an ultrasound done in the local vet office, I've regretted it and always ended up going to ARECA for a better look. In my experience the cost is about the same, but the higher resolution equipment gives much more detailed info.

Good luck. Sending many prayers and good thoughts for your baby.

Diana

Tried to write this four times- and again getting up to play with Chewie, lol. I'm locked in an argument with hubby about this. He reasons that he needs to have a say in this, and that we need to give the person a chance, and is asking what equipment they use. I agree with you. I'll let you know if I was able to call out for a referral. why he is putting his foot down with this of all things is puzzling.

[ladyjane]

There is only a 70% chance of them finding a shunt anyway. One of the soft tissue surgeons I know told me she does not rely on them at all. She said she has actually had them say there was a shunt when there wasn't.

She likes going straight to a scintigraphy.

I much prefer going to a specialist...and having a board certified radiologist do the testing.