Puppy may have possible congenital liver problem--has anyone experienced this?

Madilyn's Mom · 08-01-2006, 08:20 PM

I probably should wait till we get further testing done, but I am worried/anxious and want to find out all that I can ASAP.

My 6 1/2 month chihuahua, Madilyn, was due to be spayed this week. I opted to have blood work done prior to the surgery (glad that I did!), and the vet said that there were possible signs of congenital liver problems. I was in shock when I first heard this, because I expected that all was fine. Anyway, we've scheduled more testing to be done this Thursday, Aug 3, (I think they said it's called 'bio acids' testing).

Madilyn shows nothing but signs of excellent health. She is in great shape, she eats well, pees and poops normally, exercises well, eyes are clear and healthy....etc...etc..

I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced this, and I'm also hoping that it can be remedied since it's been discovered so early. Actually, what I'm hoping for the most, is that the further testing shows that all is well

BUT, I want to prepare myself in case it does show that she has a liver that might not be as healthy as it should.

I'd appreciate any opinions/experiences. THANKS!!

NewfCrazy · 08-02-2006, 02:09 PM

I don't have any advice for you, sorry. But here is an article that I found about liver disease:
http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/liver.html

I hope that everything turns out ok.

Madilyn's Mom · 08-03-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewfCrazy

I don't have any advice for you, sorry. But here is an article that I found about liver disease:
http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/liver.html

I hope that everything turns out ok.

Thanks so much for the link and your well wishes---I appreciate it very much! Madilyn had the extra blood tests done today and we'll find out the results either tomorrow or Monday *biting nails*

I actually feel more optimistic after speaking with the vet today, especially since the vet even said that Madilyn shows nothing but signs of a healthy puppy. I truly believe that all is going to be well

I think that I foolishly made myself worry when no one on any of the other forums that I've visited, really seemed to know anything much about it (I kept fearing that the lack of replies was because they knew it was bad ---just my own paranoia!

Anyway, thanks again! I hope to be posting good news soon!

NewfCrazy · 08-04-2006, 12:02 PM

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and Madilyn!

Ittybittypitty · 08-07-2006, 04:50 AM

It sounds like they are checking 'bile acids' which show how well the liver is functioning. They are probably concerned about a portal shunt in her liver. This is where the blood vessels bypass the liver instead of carrying the blood through the liver so that it can detoxify the blood. Liver shunts are bad, but some are operable...others may be helped by meds if not operable; they are quite serious, so follow your vet's advice and run a search on liver shunts-there is plenty of info on the web.
My yorkie was the smallest in her litter and was only a pound when we bought her. We spent $2500, happily, to find out that she just gets low blood sugar from stress (separation) rather than having a porto-systemic shunt. She had a CT scan of her brain (rule out hydrocephalus) and the liver shunt test was called scintigraghy (although I have seen it spelled differently). Under sedation they give the dog a radioactive enema, then watch how the highlighted blood flows through (hopefully-not around) the liver. After the test you have to wait until the dog pees out all the radiation before you can take him/her home. Dogs who are especially small are suspect for this disorder because the small stature can be an indication of failure to grow-another symptom of liver shunt. Hopefully your little Chi does not have this problem and if so, it can be operated on. Best wishes!

Madilyn's Mom · 08-11-2006, 12:59 AM

Ittybittypitty~ Thank you so much for all of that information! I did a ton of research last week, but I did not find nearly as much info as you gave in this post!!
I'm very happy to say that Madilyn's 2nd blood tests came back with results of a healthy puppy!! My theory is that prior to her initial bloodwork, Madilyn may have nibbled on a plant (that should not have been within her reach) I found remnants of chewed leaves on the floor---it could have been my cat, but I'm pretty sure it was Madilyn). Anyway, besides being angry at myself for such an awful oversight (plant is now out of reach), I am truly a lucky mom!!

Thanks you so much again for your info and well wishes----I've been amazed by the wonderful, genuine care and support that I've received from people like you Your sweet lil' yorkie sure went through alot---I'm glad that she's fine too!! Thanks a million for your kindness