Lucy Update - Liver Disease (vet, diet, symptoms, neuter)

[Ringo1]

Lucy went for her Bile Acid re-test yesterday. Her numbers before feeding were less than 5 (previously 51) and after feedng were 35 (previously 41). 25 or under is normal.

The vet said he had enough information to diagnose her with mild MVD (small internal shunting) without doing any further invasive testing such as a liver biopsy. That's good news!

Most liver dogs are on a lower protein diet - but since her numbers are fairly low; and she is still a puppy with no symptoms -he does not want to lower her protein at this point.

I already found some Wellness that has lower protein than her puppy food but he just wants me to mix it with her puppy food - not feed her solely the low protein food.

I asked about supplements such as sam-E or milk thistle (which a lot of people give their liver dogs to improve liver function) but he didn't think that was necessary either. I might give her some anyway from the health food store!

He says he now feels completely comfortable to go ahead with her spay. I gather dogs with liver disease can have problems with the anesthesia but he thinks he will have no problem with her. I asked if he cared for other liver dogs and he said he spays/neuters at least one a month and that he will monitor her constantly.

She hadn't gained any weight since last visit - so I am going to give it a couple of months before scheduling her spay.

I wish that her numbers said NO liver disease; but I guess this is the next best thing.

[DawnMTL]

Ohhhhhhh!

I'm happy that you're looking on the bright side of it -- that it was a mild case. You're right to be looking at it like that.

It sounds like the vet is really up on all things liver. That's good too!

Hugs to you and Lucy. And one for Ringo too, of course!

[Col.W.Deering]

Well that is good news. Sounds like your vet is on top of things.

[latetotheparty]

yes... good news and sounds like it is VERY manageable......

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Good news! Yaaay for Lucy.